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TAKS Testing Tips

Physical Readiness
Get a good night's sleep.
Eat a healthy breakfast.
Wear comfortable clothing, as long as you follow school dress code.
Do not forget to take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
If you are supposed to wear glasses or contacts, wear them.

Reduce Anxiety
Be on time to school.
Pace yourself during the test. Remember you have as much time as you need.
Don't worry about the whole test at once-tackle questions one at a time.
Don't "score" yourself as you take the test.
Don't look for letter patterns of correct answers.
Don't panic if you have a memory lapse or mental block. This is normal. Go on to the next item and come back to the trouble spot later.
Don't expect to know the answer to every question. Expect some items to be too hard. Just do your best.
Avoid unnecessary clock-watching, but do be aware of the time.
Ignore other test takers.
Think positively.
Don't give up!

Follow Directions
Read all directions carefully.
Do the sample questions even though you think you understand.
If you don't completely understand what to do, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Sometimes you will need to reread the directions or the questions to be sure you are answering what is being asked.
Don't assume that all the questions in the same section follow the same pattern. One question may ask for a true statement, the next may ask which statement is not true.
Don't guess wildly on a question. Try to eliminate one or two choices to a question. If you guess, make an "educated guess."
Make sure that your answers are on the answer document.

Test-Taking Strategies
Read the questions first. Then read the paragraph.
Understand that reading to answer specific questions is a different task than reading for content mastery.
Answer the easiest questions first.
Skip over the more difficult items and come back to them later. List these numbers on scratch paper and be sure to skip that row on your answer sheet.

Taking Care of your Pets in the Summer Heat
Summer is a time for both you and your pet to enjoy the sunshine and outdoors, but along with the fun, the season also offers up situations that can endanger your pet. By taking precautions, you can decrease the chance that disaster will happen. The HSUS (Humane Society offers these tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe this summer.

Never Leave Your Pet in the Car
In nice weather you may be tempted to take your pet with you in the car while you travel or do errands. But during warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for your companion animals left in the car.

Dogs and cats can't perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Pets who are left in hot cars even briefly can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, and can even die. Don't think that just because you'll be gone "just a minute" that your pet will be safe while you're gone; even an air-conditioned car with the motor off isn't healthy for your pet.
To avoid any chance that your pet will succumb to the heat of a car this summer, be sure to play it safe by leaving your pet cool and refreshed at home while you're on the road. And if you do happen to see a pet in a car alone during the hot summer months, alert the management of the store where the car is parked. If the owner does not return promptly, call local animal control or the police department immediately.

Don't Put Your Pet In the Back of a Truck
It is very dangerous, and in some states illegal, to drive with a dog in the back of a pick-up truck. Not only can flying debris cause serious injury, but a dog may be unintentionally thrown into traffic if the driver suddenly hits the brakes, swerves, or is hit by another car. Dogs should ride either in the cab (in a crate or wearing a seat belt harness designed for dogs) or in a secured crate in the bed of the truck.

Watch Out For Fertilizers and Deadly Plants
Summer is often a time when people fertilize their lawns and work in their gardens. But beware: Plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal if your pet ingests them. In addition, more than 700 plants can produce physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals.

Stay Bite-Free
With people and dogs spending more time outside, dog bites are likely to increase in the summer months. Spaying or neutering your dog reduces the likelihood that he will bite and provides many other health benefits.

Pet Care 101
Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar and identification tag. If you are separated from your pet, an ID tag may very well be his or her ticket home.
Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, can be fatal in both dogs and cats. Another summertime threat is fleas and ticks. Use only flea and tick treatments recommended by your veterinarian. Some over-the-counter flea and tick products can be toxic, even when used according to instructions.

Water Wisdom
Pets and pools can equal disaster. Prevent free access to pools and always supervise a pet in a pool. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets while they're enjoying the great outdoors so they can stay cool.

Travel Tips
If you plan on traveling with your pet during the summer, take the time to prepare for your furry friends in advance. Many airlines have summer pet embargoes, and most trains and ships do not allow pets other than service animals. The HSUS has information on traveling with your pet that may make the difference between a pleasant trip and a vacation nightmare.

If You Can't Stand the Heat...
Pets need exercise even when it is hot, but extra care needs to be taken with older dogs, short-nosed dogs, and those with thick coats. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet's paws. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or light-colored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.

Your pet can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions are very serious and could cause your pet to die. You should be aware of the signs of heat stress, which could include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower his body temperature. Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over his body to gradually lower his core body temperature. Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet's head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Play It Safe on the 4th
Don't take your pets to crowded summer events such as concerts or fairs. The loud noises and crowds, combined with the heat, can be stressful and dangerous for pets. For your pet's well being, leave her at home. Be especially aware of these threats during holidays, such as the Fourth of July.
Help Us Spread the Word!

The HSUS has educational posters available to download and print here [PDF file], or purchase them in bulk ($3 for 10, $5 for 25). Store managers can post inside their windows to remind shoppers that leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. In addition, 4" x 9" two-sided flyers are also available (50 for $3). To order please send a check, your mailing address and the number of posters or flyers that you would like to receive to the following address: HSUS/Hot Cars, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037. You can also receive a free sample flyer by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the above address.

Updated Apr. 1, 2009
Reprinted from the Humane Society www.hsus.org