The TerraNova is an achievement test, not a proficiency test such as the state administers. Proficiency tests are those in which students have been taught all of the content and are now being tested on whether or not they “got” it. Achievement tests, like the TerraNova, include content students may not have been specifically taught, but that they could be expected to have mastered according to their cognitive ability.
Here are a few practical ways to prepare your child for the TerraNova Test. Have your child read as many books over various subjects on their grade level, noticing grammar, spelling, vocabulary, rhyming, identifying the main idea and summarizing. For math, make sure your child understands concepts like sum or difference, comparison (more or less), and the value and identification of coins. Your child needs to be familiar with multiple choice tests, being sure they know how to eliminate answers that are incorrect first. Also be sure your child takes his time and reads each question carefully. Review material that is age-level and grade specific, as well, for science and social studies.
Sample Practice Questions
The questions on the TerraNova tests are similar to questions on the ITBS and SAT10 tests.