Getting ready for the LEAP test

The LEAP test is one of the biggest test area students will take this spring. It's given in the 4th and 8th grades and covers English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. 

"We know that LEAP tutoring is important this year because a student has to achieve a basic score in reading and math," says Wendy Garcia of Volunteers of America. 

The organization  has been helping to tutor students like Tonisha Dotie who needed a little extra help in math. 

"I went over things she didn't understand and tried to help her get it,"says her tutor John McKay. 

Dotie attend Westwood Elementary and her principal Rudgrick Brown says this year the test has changed and it is harder and more complicated.

"A child has to read a passage. All of the answers are in the passage. They have to comprehend what is in the passage and apply the answers,'" says Brown. 

For Dotie, understanding made all the difference for her. She passed her test last year and is now in 5th grade. 

Brown says there are number of ways parents can help their kids pass the LEAP test. 

The first thing parents should do is just ask your child's teacher or principal where to turn for help. 

Area districts have resource centers where parents can get needed tools on how to help their kids. 

And a number of schools in the area have their own websites set up to help parents get students ready for the LEAP test. 

There are also practice test booklets that you get at area educational supply stores. 

And of course there are only resources like www.louisianapass.org. 

If you would like to tutor area children to help them pass the LEAP test Volunteers   of America needs you. 

They are looking for adults and even other students to help tutor students. For information you can call 318-429-7510