Students may perform better and with less anxiety if they are familiar with the format of the test and with the types of questions they will be required to answer. However, please note that test preparation is only useful to the extent that it is also teaching content area knowledge and skills. Therefore, the use of test preparation resources is of limited value to students due to the narrow opportunity for content learning. It is very important to ensure that teachers are teaching to the curriculum and not to the test, as teaching to the test narrows the focus of instruction to only that content covered by the test.
Testimonials from educators who used the Forward Exam Practice Test with their students:
Our 3rd grade students LOVED the practice tests - they collaborated, worked together, practiced using the tools, etc. This process definitely helps prepare them for their first experience with Forward Testing.
These are helpful to reduce the test anxiety of our students. They had general understanding of what the test was going to look like and they were comfortable using the tools.
Forward Exam Practice Test
The Forward Exam Practice Test online provides students the opportunity to interact and become familiar with the testing system. Students practice using the tools available on the Forward Exam and familiarize themselves with how to maneuver in the system and work the different types of questions they will encounter. All students should be given the opportunity to utilize the Forward Exam Practice Test prior to actual testing. The Practice Test is not scored, and the online versions do not save responses.
The Practice Test contains samples of stimulus and test questions similar to those on the Forward Exam. Each sample test question has been through a rigorous review process by DRC, Wisconsin Educators, and a third party, to ensure alignment with the State Standards. These questions will not be used on the state assessment and may, therefore, be used in Wisconsin for professional development and student practice. The questions are a sample of the content and types of questions that students will encounter on the Forward Exam. Each question contains information about alignment (standard measured), answer key, depth of knowledge, and specific annotations.
- The Forward Exam Practice Test is available for each content area and grade level.
- Accessible Practice Tests are available for students who need to practice Spanish stacked translation, VSL, masking, and color choice tools.
PDF Version of the Forward Exam Practice Test
The PDF version does not allow for a student to interact and become familiar with the online tools or testing system but does contains samples of stimulus and test questions similar to those on the Forward Exam. The PDF version of the practice test does contain an appendix that provides information such as: the answer key, alignment to a Wisconsin Academic Standard, depth of knowledge, and annotations.
Ordering Braille Versions of Practice Tests
Orders for a braille version of the Practice Tests must be placed by a District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) by contacting the DRC Help Desk at (800) 459-6530. Once an order is placed, materials will be shipped to the district office to the attention of the DAC.