Learning about tests will help parents help their children perform better on all types of assessments. This guide explains the many types of tests that students can take and describes the benefits and limitations of each. Test use and improving test performance are discussed. Assessment usually takes place for purposes of instruction, screening, and accountability. While classroom tests are generally created by the teacher, students frequently face standardized tests, whether in the form of achievement tests, aptitude tests, or intelligence tests. Differences between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced tests and their uses are discussed. Issues of test bias and the fair use of tests are considered. Suggestions are given to help children develop test-taking skills. Alternative assessment, particularly performance based assessments, are discussed as a growing trend in American educational assessment. Three parent resources are listed, and a glossary is provided of testing terms. Making sense of testing and assessment is recognized as requiring commitment from parents and schools to work together. (SLD)