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Ready for the Test.
Ready for Life.

It’s almost time for your child to take the annual state test in math and English language arts. To see what’s expected of your child, check out the grade-by-grade practice test and how it measures real-world skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking.

Here you’ll find the PARCC practice test, plus other simple ways to help your child feel confident and ready for the test.

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Did you know…

Nationally, a majority of parents rely on the annual state test to know if their child is on grade level.

What is your child expected to know and do on the state test?

Click here to see a practice test.

Learn More »
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Sample Test Questions

Test questions range from traditional multiple-choice to interactive ones that ask your child to explain his or her reasoning and write well-developed essays.

  • Math

    David has 16 pennies in one jar and 94 pennies in another jar.

    He uses some of the pennies to buy a pencil that costs 25 cents. What is the total number of pennies David has left after he buys the pencil? Show your work.

    Answer: 85 pennies

     

    *Example elementary school question

  • English Language Arts

    Read the passage from The Fast and the Furriest, a story about Kevin and his dog.

    At the end of the passage, Howie tells Kevin that he is not making a good case. Write an original story that describes what Kevin does next to try to change Howie’s mind about paying for Cromwell’s training.

     

    *Example middle school question

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What else do you need to know about the PARCC tests?

It’s a different type of test.

It’s a different type of test.

The test matches what your child is learning in the classroom every day. It requires students to solve real-world problems, justify their answers and analyze a variety of text.
It’s a helpful tool.

It’s a helpful tool.

Along with grades and classroom work, the PARCC test is another measure of how well your child is progressing in grade-level math and English. Even if your child gets good grades, check out the state test results to see how well your child understands specific concepts needed to be ready for the next grade.
The what, when, and how.

The what, when, and how.

Ask your child’s teacher about details such as: How long does the test take? When will my child be taking the test in each subject? When and how will I get the results? Each district decides when their students will take the test, and schools decide what subject they will take each day.
How to understand the score report.

How to understand the score report.

Take a look at last year’s PARCC report to help you understand where your child may still need extra support. You can also compare last year’s scores to this year’s to see where your child made progress and take the reports to parent-teacher conferences to discuss with your child’s teacher.
It can help build life skills.

It can help build life skills.

We know tests can be nerve-racking but you can boost your child’s self-confidence by showing him or her how to take on challenges with a positive attitude and determination. Remind your child to take their time and just try their best. By looking at the practice test together, your child will know what to expect.
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90%
* PARENTS 2018: GOING BEYOND GOOD GRADES
**SCHOLASTIC TEACHERS AND PRINCIPAL SCHOOL REPORT, 2016

Know the Facts

According our national survey, 90% of parents believe their child is performing at or above grade level.
What percentage of 8th grade students are reading at or above grade level?
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#bealearninghero in Action!

By taking actions – big and small – every day to support your child’s learning, you can be a learning hero. Check out these tips from other parents and share your advice, stories, and questions using #bealearninghero.