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Although the common core testing battery includes history, social studies, science and math, a main focus of the test is English language arts, or ELA. ELA questions are integrated throughout the other subject areas to ensure that students have the proper level of comprehension when reading text about history, social studies, science or math. There […]

Thanks for attending our live seminars in New York City to review the NYC gifted and talented testing and admissions process. Here are the presentations from Karen Quinn, the Testing Mom, and Michael McCurdy, co-founder of TestingMom.com and NYC G&T parent expert. PASSWORD NEEDED! The password for these documents is in the email we sent […]

Many children this year will be taking the NNAT2, the Naglieri Non-Verbal Abilities test, to try and qualify for the NYC G&T program. New York City’s gifted and talented programs in the public school system have always led the nation in terms of competition for admittance in for curriculum and advancement. They introduced the NNAT […]

White Lies We have discusses what to do when children lie earlier in the blog. It is difficult to teach your child why lies are bad and when lies can be good. Today we are going to discuss how to encourage honesty in your child and how to teach them about white lies. When children […]

Cognitive Abilities Test   Many parents first learn about the CogAT when their children bring home papers on the Gifted and Talented test. It is natural for parents to want to know everything they can about the CogAT! There are many different sites, like this one, with information on the Cognitive Abilities Test, that help […]

Relatively new in the world of standardized testing, the Common Core test battery involves several central, or ‘core,’ subjects, including social studies. Here, we’ll review the best way to help your child prepare, including the use of social studies practice questions. Textbook Quizzes Since the common core test battery is based on curriculum and learned […]

If you think it’s only your child who should be worried about kindergarten readiness, think again. As parents, you have a bigger responsibility. Children are not completely aware of the importance of taking kindergarten test or its implications to their life but you do. As a matter of fact, parents are more nervous than their […]

  It’s that time of year with rainy days and snowy days keep children in doors! What are you supposed to do with your little bundles of energy during rainy days that isn’t TV? There are a lot of fun games you can play on rainy days that help build crucial math skills. There is […]

In place since 1998, the Standardized Testing and Reporting exam, commonly known as the STAR exam or STAR test, is a method of testing school age children. It tests learned knowledge and is not considered an intelligence test. Rather, it seeks to indicate whether or not students are properly absorbing and comprehending the materials being […]

How to raise non-spoiled children is a difficult subject. Today we are going to talk about how NOT to raise a spoiled child. For many parents, this is an important issue. In this day and age, we here so many stories about spoiled children. But before we dive in, lets talk about the different types […]

Just as the standards of education vary from one state to another, so do math tests. Thus, if you are planning to transfer to another state next school year, these secrets in topping math tests by state will come in very helpful. 1. Preparation is the key. Perhaps the most important factor in acing an […]

The thing is, young children start lying because they’re often trying to figure out what they can and cannot do. There’s sort of a phase where children will go where they’ll tell a lot of little lies. Generally most children sort of drop off in terms of the lie telling behavior as they get into […]

Not many people like math, or math practice questions, as much as they love literature or the sciences. Perhaps, it is because of how numbers can be so confusing and the theories mind boggling.  Since math is something that one could not live without, one of the best ways to sharpen your skills in mathematics […]

If your child is facing an upcoming Common Core test, you’re probably curious as to the best way to help them succeed and perform to the best of their ability. You’re not alone – the vast majority of parents with school age children utilize some type of supplemental study with their children regarding standardized testing. Science is one of […]

If you’re anything like me, the prospect of a rainy day inside can cause some small feelings of dread as a parent. What do you do with your children? There is a huge temptation to simply allow them to watch tv, or play video games or with their smart phones. But as fall continues into […]

With the recent introduction of the State Standards Common Core testing battery, many parents are looking for common core tests by state. Lots of parents and students are slightly confused, especially since tests by state can vary. Here, we’ll review the Common Core itself and why it was created. Origins The concept of common core […]

Many parents wonder about the difference between the CogAT Form 7 and other forms. The CogAT exam is an intelligence assessment exam that specifically measures reasoning abilities. The test’s full name is the Cognitive Abilities Test, and the “form 7” designation is simply the version of the exam that is scheduled to be administered. In […]

In the world of standardized testing, the English Language Arts and Literacy Common Core tests are relatively new. Designed through a collaboration between the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA), as well as many educators and administrators across the country, the tests have two main goals. Graduating Senior […]

There are so many complaints from Testing Mom customers about the lack of good schools in their area.  We make it our business to help parents find better schools in their area. In 2012 the Bureau of Economic Analysis began measuring the effect of the arts on the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This is […]

If your child is faced with an upcoming common core test, you’re undoubtedly interested in common core test prep. Since the common core is a relatively new standardized test, many parents feel confused over how best to help their children prepare. Thankfully, there are many resources available, many of them for free.  What is the […]

Testing Mom makes it our business for you to be a better parent! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the student-teacher ratio is set to decline in the coming decade. This is great news for parents who have been fighting for years for a better ratio of teachers to students. But if your child […]

Every year the state of Texas conducts a standardized test to primary and high school students known as State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test or STAAR, which you can prepare for with the STAAR practice test. The score a student gets from this test will contribute to 15% of his or her final […]

For many years, the state of California has relied upon the STAR exam to assess students’ learning. The STAR exam (standardized testing and reporting) is administered to students in grades two through eleven. At age appropriate intervals, certain subjects are added and removed. In grades two through eleven, English language arts and math are tested. […]

Not all kids are into arts and crafts, or arts enrichment activities, but that’s only because their teachers and parents never made them fully understand the joys, fun, and benefits such activities can bring into their lives. There are many different benefits for youngster to craft! They will develop their fine motor skills, memory, and […]

Assessment is an integral part of the learning process so it’s no surprise that even five-year olds are now required to take kindergarten readiness tests. Experts believe it’s not just for placement or enrollment purposes because there’s a deeper reason behind kindergarten testing. Kindergarten testing is useful to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The […]

Here at Testing Mom we hear lots of complaints from parents about how they can be better at the business of preparing their child. We made it easy! Based upon stats from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings rise with each level of education attained, from less than a high school diploma up […]

CogAT form 7 is among the current versions of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in wide spread use by private and public schools to assess academic performance and student potential. This is the latest version of the Cogat and is more focused on images than written words. The CogAT form 7 is additionally used for […]

With the acceptance of the State Standards Common Core by most US states, many parents across the country are wondering about state specific test prep. While the State Standards may seem to make test prep more confusing at first, there’s nothing to worry about. Once you know which Standards your state has rejected or accepted, […]

Math Games for Classrooms Some students have poor attention spans so don’t be surprised when they become disinterested a few minutes after you start your math lesson so try to spice up your math lessons with math games. Don’t worry because you’re not the only teacher who has to deal with this problem everyday of […]

Prepare for NYC Gifted and Talented Testing and Admissions Seminars October 25 and October 26! We’re hosting 3 live seminars in New York City! Come hear the experts all things G&T – testing experts, G&T teachers and G&T parents! The language you hear around New York City testing sounds like a game of Scrabble – […]

Gifted and talented (G & T) status and high NNAT scores is something that all parents wish for their kids. These programs use the NNAT for admissions and are often free and have accelerated and advanced lesson plans. Many kids do gain admittance each year to G & T programs. However, as more and more […]

English Language Arts and Literacy Common Core Testing  If you have a school-age child, chances are good that you’ve heard of the English Language Arts and Literacy Common Core tests. However, due to the relatively recent development of these tests, many parents are left wondering what precisely the exams cover. What Testing Achieves  In the […]

We know that in young kids lying is certainly related to cognitive development. We often see in children lying who are developing cognitively early. There is also the connection in adults between high IQs and the ability to lie well. This is related to pathology as well as the spectrum of lying. We do know […]

Kindergarten testing plays a major role in education. It is one of the first few steps every young learner has to take before they start formal schooling. Children, often as a requirement, have to take a kindergarten test before they enroll in a class. So if you have a 5-year-old, it’s best to know the […]

If you’re enrolled in a public high school in Texas then you are already familiar with the so-called STAAR exam or State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test. This standardized test took over the famous Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills or TAKS, which had been used by the state for years. It was […]

Everybody loves playing games and kids are no exception. In fact, they are able to learn more if lessons are introduced using games. With this in mind, teaching children different number concepts can become more interesting and enjoyable through math games. Children will be less intimidated by the lessons if they are couched in games! […]

Why is the STAR Exam Important? California’s standardized testing system, the STAR exam (Standardized Testing and Reporting), is a test battery designed to ensure that each student receives a quality education. You can read a synopsis of the exam at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Standardized_Testing_and_Reporting_(STAR)_Program. Relevance Together with the California High School Exit Examination, the STAR exam strives to […]

With the large number of standardized tests being administered to students today, many parents (and teachers) are wondering why yet another battery of tests, the ELA Common Core tests, has been introduced. In order to understand the importance of these tests, it’s crucial to understand the situation which they were created to improve. Poorly Educated […]

Many parents, when informed their kids will be taking IQ exams like the Cognitive Abilities Test, or the CogAT, want to learn as much as they can about the exams. This includes how the test is structured and what will be expected of their kids when testing. The Cognitive Abilities Test is a standardized exam […]

Due to the relative newness and controversy surrounding the State Standards Initiative, many parents and students are feeling a bit confused when it comes to state specific test preparation. Here, we’ll review the state specific testing concept and provide a link for practice questions. State by State Options State specific test prep can be confusing, […]

The language you hear around New York City testing sounds like a game of Scrabble – OLSAT®, City-wide, Stanford-Binet®, District-wide, NNAT-2®, Naglieri®, ERB, WPPSI-IV®, G&T programs, the list of acronyms goes on and on! Learn about all the tests given to our talented tots in New York City and how to prepare for theses tests. […]

Gifted and talented (G & T) status is something that all parents wish for their kids and indeed many children do gain admittance each year to G & T programs through taking the NNAT test. However, as more and more parents become interested in helping their children get that coveted place among the G & […]

There is something about mathematics that makes students shy away from the subject, but interactive math sites can help! This is probably because of the impression that math is hard and less interesting compared with other subjects taught in class. As parents, you can actually make your kids love numbers by introducing them to activities that […]

The ELA Common Core tests are designed to ensure that graduating high school seniors have all the knowledge and skills necessary to not only get by but thrive in higher education and the workforce. They aim to accomplish this goal by administering a battery of age appropriate tests on an annual basis. These tests assess […]

We’ve talked before about a familiar phenomenon: the lying child. Today we tackle the question: Can parents tell if their children are lying? The answer is, some of the time. Sometimes parents can tell because children’s lies aren’t very good. Sometimes it’s obvious if you ask the child, “Did you eat that chocolate chip cookie?” […]

There are several version of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) currently used by schools throughout the nation as IQ assessment tests. The CogAT form 6 is just one of the versions of the Cognitive Abilities Test that is currently used. The CogAT form 6 is usually given to children between the ages of five and […]

Many parents are asking, what is the STAAR test? The Texas test is replacing the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Texas Education Agency used to administer the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills or TAKS to assess the progress in academic performance of students. Later on, the agency realized the need for a […]

One of our favorite outings with our daughter is a trip to the museum. Choosing museums for kids can be a tricky endeavor. When our daughter was in preschool and kindergarten, we took her to children’s museums that focused on reinforcing concepts that she was learning in school.  Since then we have graduated from special […]

In the world of standardized testing, the STAR test has been around for many years. It was initiated in 1998 to replace a testing battery which had been in use for nearly thirty years. Here, we’ll review the test itself, what it entails and why it’s being replaced. What it Is STAR stands for Standardized […]

The State Standards Initiative Common Core test battery is relatively new in the world of standardized tests, but quickly being accepted by states across the US. As with any standardized test, preparation is key. Here we’ll review the goals of the Common Core and some ideas on helping your child prepare for testing day. What […]

Free ISEE practice questions help your child prepare There’s no better or cheaper way of preparing for the Independent School Entrance Examination than using some free ISEE practice questions for review. You can just imagine how much you’ll save using these ISEE practice test for free compared to enrolling in a review class conducted by […]

Today I want to talk about the reasons children lie. Children lie really for the same reasons as adults. The content of their lies may be somewhat different. Why does anyone lie? They lie for self gain. They lie for self protection, to get out of negative consequences. You might lie to your boss about […]

Used widely in assessing the achievement of students and adults, the Woodcock Johnson III Test of Achievement is a test your child will likely take at some point during their academic career. If your child is gifted and will be seeking admittance to a TAG or advanced-placement school, they will almost certainly take this test […]

Helping your child succeed on an upcoming Regents’ test is a very common concern among parents of graduating seniors. Here, we’ll review a bit about the Regents’ tests themselves as well as the best ways to help your child perform to the best of their abilities.  What is a Regents Test?  In the state of […]

With their network extending to roughly 2,000 schools around the world, the ERB test NYC company Educational Records Bureau distributes is a very common test for students worldwide. The tests are commonly used to determine early admittance to college and admittance to highly selective public schools. Unfortunately for many students, an error in the way […]

Raising a gifted child presents some unique challenges, one of which is: should they go to summer camp? If so, is a “normal” camp OK, or are there special summer camps out there for gifted children? Today I want to share my experience with you. The summer before our daughter began pre-school, I started purchasing […]

Due to the relatively recent introduction of ELA Common Core testing, many parents are finding it difficult to understand and, perhaps more importantly, difficult to effectively prepare their children. Here we’ll review precisely what the ELA Common Core test battery consists of, in addition to how and why it was developed. What it Is The […]

The Canada Abilities Test is one of the most affordable aptitude tests today. Many parents are spending thousands of dollars on their child’s education and thankfully with CCAT test now available, they can have their children tested at a cheaper price. One of the main reasons why Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test CCAT costs less is […]

Introducing your child to the format and content of the CogAT Some parents decide to use CogAT practice questions for their children, believing practice makes perfect; however, the real reason to use practice sessions in preparation for intelligence assessment tests like the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is to hone your child’s reasoning skills. While promoting […]

Given to children in all grades, beginning in kindergarten and running through a student’s senior year, the ELA common core tests are relatively new in the world of standardized testing. The purpose of the tests is to ensure that all students are fully prepared for college study and their careers in several different areas. English […]

There are many schools all over the country that welcome new students every year but there are those that require you to pass a particular test such as the Independent School Entrance Exam before they can enroll you. These schools have to screen applicants especially if there are limited slots available and they only want […]

Many parents think that reading for gifted children is different than reading for other children. As the mother of a gifted child, I’d like to share my experience starting with my daughter’s birth — actually, starting a little bit before that! When we were expecting our daughter we read that it was vitally important to […]

New York City parents this week and next are making the pilgrimage to the NYC department of education on Chambers Street in Manhattan to review their child’s gifted and talented tests results. When reviewing your child’s NNAT-2 test and OLSAT test here are a few tips to make sure you utilize every moment while reviewing […]

Exam Can Present Hurdles It’s no secret that the NNAT, or Naglieri Non-verbal Ability Test, is a popular exam choice for schools and programs across the country. The exam is designed to measure intelligence regardless of primary language spoken in the home or other factors that could negatively affect children’s ability to accurately demonstrate their […]

Children get nervous when it comes to taking a test like the Canada Abilities Test. They’re mostly scared of failing but that’s because parents and teachers didn’t explain well to them what the CCAT Test is all about. In order to prepare children for the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test CCAT, parents and teachers must orient […]

Is your child preparing to undergo kindergarten testing? You can help improve his or her chances of acing the kindergarten readiness exam through review and exposure to similar kindergarten test. But we all know how short children’s attention span is. They get easily bored and distracted. So how do you ensure that your child will […]

Today we’re going to talk about why children lie and what you can do about it. This subject really interests me because I think many parents are in denial about the fact that their kids lie. I say this because I recently got a phone call from a friend of mine who’s a baby sitter. […]

Woodcock Johnson III is Widely Used Test Used widely in assessing the achievement of students and adults, the Woodcock Johnson III Test of Achievement is a test your child will likely take at some point during their academic career. If your child is gifted and will be seeking admittance to a TAG or advanced-placement school, […]

STAR Stands for Standardized Testing And Reporting California’s STAR program, standing for Standardized Testing And Reporting, is a set of standardized tests designed to ensure a quality education for all California students. The STAR exam is given in the spring of each school year to students in grades two through eleven. What is Tested? Depending […]

If your child is facing an upcoming ELA Common Core test, you’re probably curious about the best way to help them prepare for this important and comprehensive literacy examination. Since there are several subject areas covered by the test, knowing where and how to begin can be confusing. Here, we’ll review the best ways to […]

While the CogAT exam is commonly used to determine if a child should be included in the gifted and talented program at many schools across the country, the test results from the CogAT exam are also used by teachers and administrators in a number of other ways. The CogAT exam doesn’t just show which students […]

The Educational Records Bureau is responsible for developing and administering the Independent School Entrance Examination to assess a learner’s admission qualifications to a specific level. It is vital that students pass this exam and one way to prepare for it is by taking an ISEE practice test. The ISEE is used by a number of […]

Timing can be key Kindergarten testing is not new to everybody especially to parents. Many schools conduct kindergarten test to interested learners before they’re accepted. Mostly, they’re used as an assessment tool to check your child’s kindergarten readiness. So when is the right time to let your child undergo kindergarten testing? If your child is […]

I am a very proud parent of wonderful, highly gifted 8 year old girl. I am writing to tell you about the whirlwind adventure that is raising and nurturing a gifted child. I guess I should start with a little background of how I arrived at writing this entry. My husband, daughter, and I moved […]

Canadian Abilities Test is Useful and Inexpensive With so many aptitude tests out there, should you let your child take the CCAT test? A big YES! Education is an investment and letting your child take the Canada Abilities Test is one guarantee that your child gets the best quality education possible. You should never have […]

Learning that your child must undergo IQ assessment exams like the Cognitive Abilities Test, or CogAT, can be a daunting prospect, especially since you know so much rides on their performance on the Cognitive Abilities Test and other assessment tests. The CogAT is among the battery of tests that schools use to determine admission to […]

The NNAT Test, as an intelligence assessment exam that plays a big role in gifted and talented program admission criteria these days, is a daunting prospect for many parents. In an effort to help with NNAT test prep, there are many parents that push their children like crazy to perform well, including practices like hiring […]

Kindergarten testing is an increasingly common phenomenon, and is most often used to measure how ready your child is to enter kindergarten. Usually, if kids are given a kindergarten test, it’s done while they’re still in preschool and before they actually enter kindergarten. Age 5 is the best time for kindergarten testing to take place. […]

As your child grows, progresses and learns, the version of the Iowa Test they take changes with their new skills. In grades two and three, children take Levels 7 and 8 of the ITBS, respectively.   At Levels 7 and 8, children are tested on eleven subjects. These include Vocabulary, Word Analysis, Reading, Listening, Language, […]

The Independent School Entrance Exam, commonly referred to as ISEE, is a special form of testing conducted by independent schools. It is one of the most secure, valid, and reliable examinations around. It is developed and administered by the ERB, or Educational Records Bureau. There are many advantages in taking the Independent School Entrance Exam. […]

Multiple Ways to Prepare for the CogAT When it comes to academic achievement and performance on IQ assessment exams like the CogAT, there are a number of ways in which parents attempt to help their children. Some choose to use formal CogAT test prep services like academic enrichment tutoring, boot camps for assessment exams, and […]

  Not just a schoolyard game anymore, TAG typically stands for Talented and Gifted. It’s a term used to cover many different advanced-placement courses, tests and schools. TAG testing refers to the many different types and styles of tests which administrators use to determine if a child is eligible for advanced placement or TAG programs. […]

There are many attributes of gifted children. Some children may be gifted in the arts, such as music and drawing, while others might be gifted with certain athletic abilities. When it comes to gifted testing in the schools it’s more on the academic side of being gifted. If you think your child is gifted review […]

How to Prepare for the NNAT    If you’re invested in your child’s academic future but don’t have the cash for an expensive tutor or other Naglieri test, or NNAT, preparation service, then you’ll need to find other, inventive ways to help your child prepare for taking the Naglieri test. Naglieri test samples can be […]

To get you started with a Top membership we’ve created Testing Mom coupon codes and promo codes. To get 10% off any Top membership use this code: testingmom10. As a reminder, here are all the great things you’ll receive as a Top 1% member of TestingMom.com! Instant access to over 25,000 practice questions for gifted […]

  Students are being tested with different kinds of exams such as the Canada Abilities Test. For many, this has become a routine by the time their children step into kindergarten. But what can you get from letting your child take this CCAT test in the first place? The answer: so much! When you hear […]

How to get your child ready for the OLSAT Preparation is a crucial step of any test, but OLSAT prep can be even more essential. The subjects covered by the OLSAT are not traditionally taught subjects such as reading or math, but rather abstract aspects such as comprehension and reasoning. Since the format is something […]

As a parent, you know how important a kindergarten test can be. It can determine what school your child goes to, which program he ends up in, and can even affect his career trajectory later in life. If your child is taking a kindergarten test you just can’t stand in one corner and let him […]

Many often see kindergarten testing as just a means for admission in a particular school. This is not true at all. If there’s one thing you can benefit from a kindergarten test it’s the fact that it helps assess your child’s readiness. Kindergarten testing has many roles. One of the reasons why they’re strictly implemented […]

Preparing for the Independent School Entrance Exam Taking the prestigious Independent School Entrance Exam is no joke. Just like with other tests out there, your score on the ISEE can change your life. It determines your admission qualifications such as your skills and intelligence in major subject areas. In order to pass it, you need […]

The CogAT, or Cognitive Abilities Test, is an IQ assessment exam that is given to children to determine their overall intelligence and to evaluate their “gifted” status. Children who perform well on IQ exams are often placed in gifted and talented programs where they’re exposed to more challenging and engaging curriculums that will help maintain […]

GATE Test is challenge for many children   If your child is facing an upcoming GATE test, preparation is key. These tests are typically not formatted like everyday school tests and quizzes. Children who are intimidated by the testing process typically perform inaccurately poorly, so make sure your child is familiar with the new format […]

An overview of the GATE and how to prepare If you believe that your child is gifted or talented, you’re most likely facing an upcoming GATE testing date. It’s important to remember that this term does not refer to an individual test, but is rather an umbrella term used to refer to the many different […]

The NNAT, or Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test, which is used as an intelligence measure by New York City schools to determine if students should be admitted to gifted and talented programs is not only presenting challenges for the majority of 4 year olds that take the exam but for their parents as well. The NNAT, […]

How to improve your child’s kindergarten readiness Perhaps you’re wondering if kindergarten readiness is necessary before you let your 5-year old enroll in a class. The truth is it is very important. Time and again, education experts are firm in their stand that kindergarten readiness must be observed especially by parents. Children must be well […]

Many gifted children may be ready for school, but not fully prepared for the developmental and socially challenges they might face being gifted in a traditional school setting. Many parents rely so much on teachers to help their gifted children grow and develop intellectually and socially. However, this shouldn’t be the case since teachers can […]

While the KBIT-2 assessment is most commonly used to determine the intellectual capabilities of both gifted and at-risk students in schools, the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test-2 has many other applications. One applications you might find surprising is the use of the KBIT test within the prison system.  The test is given to identify inmates who may […]

One could say that the Stanford-Binet test, also known as the SB-5, is the father of modern intelligence testing. Compared to other types of intelligence tests for children, the SB-5 is widely recognized as the most accurate method of gauging the cognitive abilities of children and adults. It was developed in the early 1900’s by […]

One of the best things about the KBIT-2 test is that each examinee receives one-on-one time with the tester. The Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test is very different from some other intelligence exams, which often involve many test-takers sitting in a large room with identical sheets of paper in front of them. This is a rather […]

The Stanford-binet test, commonly referred to as the Sb-5, is one of the IQ tests that are administered by schools or clinics to determine if your child is gifted in certain areas of intelligence or if they have any learning disabilities. The SB-5, like other intelligence tests for children, is also used to assess how […]