The publisher of these tests have begun to offer an updated test preparation book that will be more helpful for those taking the Terra-Nova test. These are now titled: One Hour Practice.
For children in the primary grades, an important question is, "What is an achievement test like?" Parents have other questions: First, "What skills will the test measure?" And second, "How can I prepare my child?" It is important to know what is expected in order to prepare adequately.
Achieving Peak Performance is designed to answer these questions and concerns in a simple and easy to use way. The student book simulates actual standardized tests, and the parent book is an action plan made up of three parts:
- "Identifying Learning Objectives"
- "Mastering Test Strategies"
- "Practicing for success."
These can be used to prepare students for most standardized tests. If your child does not need to take a standardized test this year, but you want to evaluate progress on your own, we suggest you consider the ELO Quick Assessment series.
Achieving Peak Performance has been our favorite test-prep course for a number of years. For those of you worried about taking the CTBS/Terra-Nova test, rest assured: this will still work fine. Basic Skills has written up an article explaining the differences between the CAT5 and the Terra-Nova. However, because there are differences, they are writing a new series called the One-Hour Practice Tests. There are some levels now available, and the rest are forthcoming. We will be phasing out Achieving Peak Performance as the new tests become available.
The books may be purchased separately, but we recommend buying the action plan and practice tests together as a set.
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