WOODBURY — With the first round of NWEA testing come and gone, Nonnewaug students are reviewing their scores and refining their skills.
However, this year’s testing schedule was much more consistent by modifying the schedule, allowing students to be more organized and prepared. The testing was held to begin each morning for all students as opposed to last year where testing sessions were mixed into different periods throughout the day.
“The schedule this year was a little complicated at first, but by the second day we figured it out,” says Andrew Grivner, an NHS senior. “Last year I felt the schedule was not very helpful with taking tests, but now with more block days, preparing for the test and taking the tests was much easier and less stressful as we didn’t miss class time.”
On the contrary, some students say otherwise and thought these testing dates were a challenge compared to last year, while some felt exhausted and found it hard to concentrate with early-morning testing. However, this year’s NWEA testing window culminated in many students taking the SATs the following Saturday. Both tests are now digitally formatted allowing NWEA to feel even more authentic.
“It helped me know what areas I needed to work on in math,” says James Levario, an NHS senior. “It also gave me well needed confidence for the SAT in certain areas.”
The SAT is a test that students can never get too much practice on, especially with all the different types of questions being asked. The NWEA has questions on a variety of math and reading topics, and each topic is scored separately from each other so students are able to see exactly where they need to work on an area where they are already strong.
“Even though kids hear it all the time, it’s important to be well-rested before the math section, in particular, as your brain needs the rest to do your best,” says Laura Pierson, the math interventionist. “They need to make sure to take their time and re-read if needed to make sure they are answering the right question which is especially true on the SATs.”
For NHS faculty like Pierson, ensuring students feel comfortable on these high-stakes tests is critical. Remaining organized despite the test’s pressures can be a difficult task.
“Even though the SAT and NWEA don’t require you to show your work, you still should because it benefits you and helps you organize yourself,” Pierson said. “Finally, on the NWEA you should take your time as it is not a timed test and make sure you are familiar with the built-in calculators on each test as they are your most useful resource.”
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will take the PSAT on Oct. 23. The next round of NWEA will begin in mid-January as NHS students look to further prepare for the spring 2025 SAT.
