What advice is best for Ms. Loomis as she prepares for the upcoming STAAR tests?

Incorporating a practice question or two each day into her lessons aligns perfectly with effective test preparation strategies. This approach facilitates regular engagement with the material, helping students to gradually build their confidence and familiarity with the types of questions they will encounter on the STAAR tests. By integrating practice questions into daily instruction, Ms. Loomis can reinforce key concepts and skills, identify areas where students may struggle, and provide immediate feedback to enhance understanding.

This method promotes retention of information through spaced practice, which is beneficial in transforming knowledge into long-term memory, essential for performing well on standardized tests. Daily practice also allows for customized teaching, enabling Ms. Loomis to address individual student needs and adapt her instruction based on ongoing assessment of student comprehension.

Conducting a mock test every week might place undue pressure on students and could lead to test burnout, as consistent testing may contribute to anxiety rather than alleviating it. Focusing solely on the test material risks neglecting a more holistic and well-rounded educational approach, potentially leaving gaps in students' broader knowledge. While reducing the homework load could help ease stress, it does not directly contribute to reinforcing the skills and knowledge necessary for the STAAR tests.