Kevin Davy
kevind@isb.ac.th
Many parents wonder about the best times for their sons and daughters to take standardized tests which are used for university application/selection. Some start as early as 9th grade, and some parents become anxious when they aren’t doing the same as their children’s peers. Some thoughts to consider:
Taking the PSAT in 11th grade, and their first SAT in March of 11th grade, keeps students right on track for maximizing their scores. Take the second in May-June and third, if necessary, in fall of Senior year.
Data shows that students rarely increase their scores after the second try, and almost never after the third. Developmentally, it is much better to prep for a test designed for 11th and 12th graders when the student is closer to that age, and the curriculum of ISB in math and English will certainly be adding to their skills and ultimate scores. Plus, and maybe most importantly, there is no need to add further to students’ stress and anxiety about the future by making them study outside of school for a test two or three years down the line. Please consider these thoughts when thinking of your student’s future….. and present.
Grade 9
Soon students will have access to their final exam schedule on PowerSchool. The best form of preparation for these exams right now is focusing on what is being taught at present and preparing for the likely summative assessment that will take place between now and finals. Now would also be a time to visit teachers with any questions from prior topics that were difficult to grasp; this shouldn’t take place a few days prior to exams. Please encourage your son or daughter to do so.
As we all know, this is the time of year when temperatures and humidity are extremely high. It is important to keep encouraging hydration for both health and learning purposes. Keep Hydrated:)
Summer School Work Experience Program: Interested in gaining some valuable work experience at a respected company over the summer? Are you staying in Bangkok until Jun 21st? ISB’s Summer School Work Experience Program might be just what you’re looking for. With internships lined up for ISB students in companies like the Marriott Hotel, the United Nations, Operation Smile and Seagate Robotics and Engineering, all we are waiting for is you! If you are interested, please contact Mr. Duffy (Rm. 306) or Khun Mai in the Counseling Office. (Duffy)
A few articles
- I know as a parent some of this article struck home with me when considering the increasing emergence of anxiety in our children. The article may not apply to you at all but there maybe one or two tools to take away for your parenting tool box: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201711/10-reasons-why-todays-teenagers-are-so-anxious
- The Goldilocks Level of Teen Screen Use: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-ldquo-goldilocks-rdquo-level-of-teen-screen-use/
