Students should better utilize academic resources
I grew up not having the ability to ask my parents for assistance with my math and science homework because they didn’t graduate high school. I taught myself to learn productively and efficiently, but it was difficult before I learned how to utilize the resources around me. Countless students face the same problem within the education system. The most impactful way to be more successful is to find areas where you’re struggling and use resources that can better your understanding.
The Clarke County School District and all Georgia students in grades 3-12 take an EOC or Milestones assessments each year: yearly tests to assess students’ levels of knowledge. Students may see these standardized tests as pointless but don’t realize their purpose is to measure students’ understanding of academic subjects and identify those in need of improvement to be able to assist.
In my personal experiences with standardized tests, I was in ESOL, a program for students whose first language isn’t English. The program tested me on certain subjects such as speaking and reading, and teachers decided if I would continue or exit out of the program based on my test scores. However, the AP Government final was easier for me than these ESOL exams, even though I could read and write better in Spanish than in English. As a result, I was confused about why I continued to be placed in this program.
I later realized that my lack of preparedness for the ESOL tests kept me from exiting. I left the program easily after completing a series of assignments that improved my reading and writing skills in English and applying myself to the exam. However, too many students, English language learners or not, continue to go unprepared while the administration and teachers don’t know how to address it for every student.
The role of the COVID-19 pandemic should not be ignored here, as it negatively impacted students with poor internet connections, home distractions, and the lack of regular assignments. The 2020-21 school year was the only one where I didn’t complete I-Ready Diagnostics or standardized tests, which made it difficult to know what my comprehension was on all subjects.
School environment and poverty also impact educational outcomes, where 20.7% of individuals living in Athens are in poverty, resulting in limited support and resources for students outside of school.
Schools can improve student preparedness by raising awareness about resources outside school such as organizations that help students with tutoring, community resources, school-based health centers that provide students and their families with healthcare and mental health counseling.
In 8th grade, a former teacher told me to attend U-Lead Athens, an organization dedicated to providing equal access to higher education for immigrants and students from immigrant families, so they could assist me with math.
Attending U-Lead helped me recognize better ways to study and prepare for standardized tests. At Cedar, I also attend PSP tutoring. The one-on-one sessions with teachers helped me with difficult concepts and improved my understanding of various subjects. By taking advantage of these resources within my school and community, it helped me receive the REACH Scholarship and achieve all A’s.
Numerous factors may influence students’ performance on standardized tests. However, it is important to critically evaluate all options available that can encourage students’ growth in many aspects of their academic careers. This way, students can take advantage of opportunities that help them prepare for standardized tests.
