Show your teen how to create a study schedule for tests

Whether your teen is facing a chapter test in her science class or a college-admission test, she doesn't want to walk in unprepared. A study schedule will help her get ready so she can do her best.

Make sure your teen:

• Sets priorities. A good score on a college-admission test might mean the difference between getting in or not. A poor score in a tough class could mean she has to go to summer school. The test is important, so she has to find the time to study.
• Blocks out time to study. Your teen can't study during school, during practice or at work, for example. She still has to do her homework for other classes. Have her look at the calendar and block out other times for study.
• Reviews past tests. Teachers often make copies of old tests available. Sample college-admission tests are also easy to find. Seeing what is expected can help your teen set a realistic study schedule.
• Determines what needs to be learned. It will take longer to study for a unit test if your teen hasn't done the daily homework.
• Leaves time to review. The night before the test is not the time to learn new material. It's the best time to review.

Reprinted with permission from the January 2010 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2010 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Rona F. Flippo, Preparing Students for Testing and Doing Better in School, ISBN: 9781-4129-5374-0 (Corwin Press, a SAGE Company, www.corwinpress.com).