Suggestions for students, parents, and teachers on how to prepare students to take standardized tests are presented. The value of deliberate efforts to teach students test-taking skills is supported by research. Activities to prepare students include the following: (1) teachers should develop some of their tests and worksheets in formats similar to those of standardized tests to increase the students' familiarity with the format; (2) a comfortable and appropriate place should be established for testing, since the physical environment in which testing is conducted can make a difference in student performance; and (3) test-taking skill programs may be offered. These programs should cover: (1) the purposes of testing; (2) the mechanics of taking tests; (3) the development of strategies for various types of items; (4) practice in synthesizing the main ideas from a paragraph; (5) practice in making inferences; and (6) test anxiety and how it can be overcome. (SLD)