State Mandated Test are coming soon. How can I get my students motivated?

Question

My school ranks near the bottom of the district in a large urban district. Although all the teachers are working overtime, we feel as if we are hitting our heads against a concrete wall. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we can do to motivate them?

These students come from a very low socio-economic area and many of them are below grade level with reading skills. We have been providing additional reading groups for them since the beginning of the school year and they have also had tutoring after school. This is elementary school level. Also there are more than 10% that have repeated a grade level.

Answer 1

If they only have access to books in school and no one at home is reinforcing how fun reading is I think you are fighting a lost battle.
Maybe they could write their own newsletter and be fully responsible for it deadlines, content and distribution. This way learning will not just be a passive activity.
Maybe you could take them on a trip to a huge library or bookstore on a busy day so they can see how many people are into reading for enjoyment and it is not just some lame school assignment.
Most kid in America have at least one whole shelf of favorite books to read over and over.
Do not freak them out about the test . There is nothing they can do to perform better on it. The test results are a reflection on the school not on the kids. They should be told that too!!

Answer 2

I also work in a poverty stricken area.

It is always key to get a copy of last year's test and go over it section by section EVERY day. Most standardize tests are similar year to year.

Behavior modification and rewards system is also a good idea. (Your class completes a certain section and they get a "reward") - such as a free pass on a homework assignment or extra time at the computer lab, etc. No matter what, praising the work is essential for motivation!

Answer 3

I would schedule a weekly movie discussion group showing films like Lean on Me and the host of other inspirational films that tell the same story about how the school must become a community, expectations must be set, adheared to and help student meet them (we only rise to the level of our expectations). It takes the whole school (admin, teachers, staff, students, partents and large community) to really make it happen.

Answer 4

I try to get my students excited about taking the test by doing fun things that go along with the test. One year we made tie-dyed shirts with encouraging expressions about passing the test, another year we made up songs about it. This year we're dressing up in goofy ways to help remember different strategies for taking the test. If you'd like to know more, hit me up with an email and I'll get more specific.

We're using a specific program for teaching strategies to students that really does help them. Again, I'd be happy to share what we're doing with you in an email. Keep in mind that we're not some super outstanding school with perfect scores. :)