To prepare yourself to help your students perform their best on standardized tests, there are some critical questions you should ask. Don't hesitate to add more questions to the list or to validate the responses you get by asking other administrators, supervisors or veteran teachers for their input. Will my students be participating in any standardized testing this year? This question needs to be asked as soon as possible, preferably upon learning that you have been hired for a specific position. If my students are participating in standardized testing, where can I find out about the tests, such as when they will be given, how long they will last, when scores will be available, and how our school uses these test scores? This question is important for planning and scheduling as well as your ability to share information with parents and caregivers. You may be able to look at previous tests to get an idea of what your students will face. Do you think it would be helpful for me to look at my present students' test scores from previous years? If so, what should I focus on in my examination? Again, this is a question you might ask of several different people, including other teachers and administrators. Different individuals may give you additional insight on what to look for and how to interpret what you read about test scores. Is there anything special I can do that will optimize the testing situation for my students? Helping your students to use strategies to improve their test-taking abilities is a lifelong skill. In addition to talking to other educators, you may want to look at some books and other resources devoted to these strategies. With a foundation of information about standardized testing in general, as well as specific information about any standardized testing at your school, you will be well prepared to support your school's testing events, as well as to understand the significance of your students' test scores in their overall assessment of achievement.