FCAT Test Taking Tips

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Written by Christie Riganati, News Editor

As the Florida Comprehension Assessment Test approaches, many students may be anxious for ways to make the test a little less stressful. The FCAT has been developed to test students progress and achievements throughout their years of schooling. This test becomes stressful for students because they may not know how to properly prepare. With that, the Palm Beach County School District recently released some vital test taking tips for this very important test.

One very important tip which will alleviate anxiety from the FCAT  is for the test taker to get a lot of rest. Rest is important and will help a test taker do well on their test. Most students require about 8-9 hours of sleep a night to be considered a healthy amount of sleep. Without rest one may feel tired and irritable which does not constitute proper characteristics of a healthy test taker. If a student doesn’t get enough rest it can also make it hard to think, which can cause a student to misread directions. Some people do not even know if they are sleep deprived so be aware of the following symptoms of sleep deprivation reported by The School District of Palm Beach County; difficulty waking up, inability to concentrate, falling asleep during classes, and feelings of moodiness or depression. So if one is currently experiencing symptoms such as those, begin to change sleeping habits and eliminate the symptoms to be well rested for FCAT.

Continuous balanced meals throughout the days are something that can help a test taker. Studies have shown that students who eat a balanced breakfast do better in school. breakfast provides energy to start the day off right. A good breakfast will get the body going and metabolism running. As reported by The School District of Palm Beach County a balanced breakfast may include; fruit, whole grain toast or cereal, and low fat milk. With a nutritious breakfast the student can focus more on school work and less on a growling stomach. All sugary foods should be avoided for breakfast. Sugar filled foods will cause energy to decline over time and hunger and fatigue will set in. For those who have to catch a bus or need to leave earlier can grab a  quick meal by taking a ready to eat breakfast such as; granola bar, fruits, yogurt, and cereal in to-go package. THere are also foods known to boost concentration and alertness. Fruits have been known to improve memory and brain function because they are high in antioxidants. The School District of Palm Beach County reported that strawberries and blueberries are effective to coordination, concentration, and short-term memory. Dried fruits also raise mental alertness. Calcium is another important vitamins to include in this breakfast, calcium enhances behavior and learning. All in all, eating a balanced and nutritious meal is a key to better test taking skills for students.

Another factor which contributes to better test taking is the clothes the test taker wears. Comfortable clothes are significant when it comes to the FCAT or any other test. Make sure the clothes are fit for the temperature of the classroom, making sure it is not too warm or cold. Make sure clothes aren’t too tight or too lose, this could cause discomfort throughout the day.

In addition, test takers should be on time for school the day of the test. Promptness eliminates stress of rushing and worrying if one may miss the bell. Bus riders will arrive to school at normal time but if one gets to school by foot or bike it is important to leave on time or even a little earlier. This will guarantee prompt arrival to school. It is suggested by The School District Of Palm Beach County that test takers arrive to school 5-10 minutes early. Tardiness or the possibility causes stress and anxiety so make sure to be on time the day of the test.

With FCAT approaching students may find these tips very helpful. Remember to get a good nights rest, eat a balanced meal, dress for comfort, and arrive to school on time. Besides these keys to success remember to come into the test with a positive attitude and look forward to conquering the test. A positive attitude will start the day off right. Thinking positive can cause positive output. Taking all these tips into consideration, West Boca could expect an impressive outcome.