On April 10, Madison students will start taking the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT) and other tests. Parents can use some practical tips to help their children do their best.

Statewide, students in grades 3-6 will take AMRT on April 10-13. Then, on April 17, second-graders will take the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) and fifth-graders will take the Alabama Science Assessment (ASA).

In the middle schools, seventh- and eighth-graders will take the reading and math sections of ARMT on April 10-13. Seventh-graders will take the science portion on April 17.

Testing stars promptly at 8:15 a.m. for the middle schools. Elementary students start at 8:30 a.m. Testing will end around noon.

Educators recommend some practical tips for parents:

* Show confidence in your child’s ability to take the tests.

* Confirm that your child goes to bed early for plenty of rest.

* Set alarm clocks earlier for more time to get ready for school without rushing.

* Lay out comfortable clothes the night before.

* Confirm your child has two sharpened no. 2 pencils with erasers each morning, along with paper and other school supplies.

* Offer a nutritious breakfast to your child, or at least serve milk or juice.

* Don’t be late for school. After testing starts, students can’t be admitted to or leave the classroom/testing site.

* Limit school visits to emergencies only.

School administrators will reference these tests throughout the child’s academic years.

Dr. Brian Clayton and Dr. Robbie Smith, principals at Liberty and Discovery middle schools, respectively, encourage students to leave electronic devices at home or in their lockers during testing days. State policy strictly prohibits the students having “digital devices” (cell phones, MP3 players, cameras or other transmission devices) during a secure test.

Administrators will dismiss students who have these devices during testing.

Like other Madison principals, Dr. Lydia Davenport at Heritage Elementary School has confidence in her students’ ability. “Our students are prepared and ready for the test,” Davenport said. “We’ll use the assessment data to develop goals and establish learning plans for next year.”