Barr Elementary School

Testing

The Mississippi Department of Education has provided practice tests for the Mississippi Curriculum Test and Writing Assessment.  You may click on the links below to view and print practice examples. To view currect MCT2 testing dates, please visit our JPS Testing Calendar.

Mississippi Curriculum Test-Practice Items for 2-8 Reading, Language and Math
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/acad/osa/mct2_practice_tests.html

Grades 4 and 7 Writing Assessment-Sample Writing Rubrics and Student Responses
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/acad/osa/4&7sample.html

You can assist your child prepare for testing by doing the following:

1. Discuss the importance of testing.
   
2. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before a test, and make sure your child eats properly the day of a test.
   
3. Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts.
   
4. Ensure that your child is present during testing (children perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).
   
5. If the test is of the kind subject to review (such as a spelling test), assist your child with practice.
   
6. If your child is disappointed after taking a test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.
   
7. Wish your child good luck before he or she leaves for school.

• Relax. Just do the best you can.
  
• Your first choice is usually correct. Don't change an answer unless you have a good reason to do so.
  
• Be aware of key words such as "all," "now," "always," "never," "only," "exactly."
  
• In multiple choice questions the longest answer should be considered, since test writers want to be sure the correct answer is accurate.
  
• When two answers are opposites, one of them is often correct.
  
• Watch for negative words like "not," "no," "never."
  
• Look for information in some of the questions. This information may help you answer other questions.