Students in Troup County schools are taking the annual Criterion-Referenced Competency Test, better known as the CRCT.

The test covers five core subject areas and spans five days, beginning today. Serving as a performance measurement for the federal No Child Left Behind law, Georgia’s CRCT assesses how well students in grades one through eight are mastering the skills being taught through the yearlong curriculum.

While the test is serious business, schools are not missing the opportunity to lighten the mood during the final days of preparation.

To relieve pressure and offer students the encouragement they need to do their best, schools hosted a variety of pre-test rallies. At Berta Weathersbee Elementary School, where the rally theme is “Berta Rocks the Test,” students were treated to performances by the Troup High School drum line and cheerleaders, and received encouragement from LaGrange College students, many of whom serve as mentors and tutors to the elementary students.

Going along with the theme, “Crush the CRCT,” Hollis Hand Elementary School students got to see a car crushed, thanks to their Partner in Education, Heritage Construction. After writing their names and other messages on an old car in the front lawn, students saw a Heritage Construction dozer crush the car Monday.

“The car represents the CRCT, reminding students that with all they have learned and with all the power they have, they are going to crush the test,” said principal Jack Morman.

Cannon Street Elementary School’s step team, along with academic coach Kim Schoonover, demonstrated to students that they can “rise to the occasion.”

At Franklin Forest Elementary School, instead of a rally, students watched short videos during the morning broadcast that featured motivational messages from LaGrange High School athletes and teams going along with the theme, “It’s Our Time to Score.”

“I like to remind our students that they’ve been working all year to prepare,” said principal Carol Montgomery. “Now is their chance to show off how much they’ve learned from the curriculum.”

Tips for parents of students

Experts offer these tips for parents to help prepare students for the CRCT:

During the CRCT, the most important role that parents can play is as a motivator and cheerleader for their child. Students have worked throughout the year to learn the material and have had opportunities to take online practice tests. Now is the time to set the tone for a positive two weeks.

— Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest before each testing day.

— Plan calm evenings with a minimal amount of stimulation.

— Have your child wake up 10 minutes earlier in the morning to avoid hurrying.

— Strive for stress-free mornings. The tone set at the beginning of the day is important.

— Offer your child a healthy breakfast. Protein foods are good for concentration (eggs, cheese, milk, pizza, chicken, yogurt).

— Avoid processed sugar, but do include natural sugars such as fresh and dried fruits.

— Drink plenty of water. The brain needs to be hydrated.

— Make sure your child gets to school on time.

— Have your child dress comfortably.

— Send students off each day with encouragement, “You can do this!”

For more information about the CRCT, parents were encouraged to contact their child’s school. The testing schedule is also available on the Troup County school system website, www.troup.org.

Test schedule

Today – Reading (grades one through eight)

Wednesday – Language arts (grades one through eight)

Thursday – Math (grades one through eight)

April 27 – Science (grades three through eight)

April 28 – Social studies (grades three through eight)