Like a Sponge podcast: This is Only a Test
Listen in as Like a Sponge, ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ' new podcast for parents about the science of learning, gets deep into the hotly debated subject of standardized testing.
The secret to improving SAT scores
Did your teen get a low PSAT, SAT, or ACT score? Don’t panic. Everyone can improve their scores. Two experts share their secrets for helping teens learn how to rock these tests.
What ESSA means for your child
From standardized testing to student support, a new federal policy is about to reshape some key elements of America’s ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs. Here’s what you need to know.
The first five steps on the road to college
What's the key to getting your kids into college? Start early and stick to a plan.
What you need to know about the ELL label
One checked box can doom a child to low-level classes for years. Here's what you need to know about the ELL label.
Desperation is motivation, says test prep coach
Tapping into their deepest desires and biggest dreams — and nightmares — motivates test takers to prepare well and succeed, says a test prep coach.
Confessions of a Common Core tester
A believer in the the Common Core Standards confronts reality when her own daughter field tests the assessments and comes home in tears.
What to make of international assessments
If education experts can't agree about the meaning of international assessments, what are parents supposed to make of them?
Mind the high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ gender gap
A close look at California test scores show girls lag behind boys in far too many subjects in high ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ — especially STEM subjects like geometry, physics, and chem.
What an average ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ rating means
When a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµâ€™s ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ Rating is a 1 or 10, you can be confident that you know how the students are performing according to state tests. But when a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ has an average rating, it can mean many different things.
Where does your child rank globally?
Where does your child fit into the global picture of education? (And should you care?)
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµâ€™ POV on Common Core
How do we feel about this new educational initiative that could transform U.S. classrooms? As always, we’re keeping our eye on what matters most: your child.
Video: School test scores
They're never the whole story, but test scores do offer important information about a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ. If you know how to dig deeper.
How does your ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ compare?
Yet again, the U.S. has received mediocre PISA scores. A new opt-in test is giving ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs a chance to see how they rank internationally … and how to improve.
State standardized test scores: What families should know
State standardized tests hold ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs accountable for results, but they don't tell the whole story about a ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ.
Why are standards important?
Standards are guideposts for ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµs. Teachers, parents and students use them as a tool to focus on what students are expected to learn.
5 ways to reduce test anxiety
Does your child get stressed about taking standardized tests? Follow this checklist to help ease their worries.
Repeating a grade: The pros and cons
Grade retention or social promotion — which is best? Read what the experts have to say.
How to help your child get ready for the SAT or ACT
There is no secret trick to getting a high score on the SAT or ACT, but there are ways you can help your child get ready for these tests.
What's so bad about teaching to the test?
If teaching content standards is considered teaching to the test, it may not be such a bad thing.
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