They might know the answers, but can’t get them on paper. The more tests kids fail, the less confident they are that they can pass any test. Their fear and lack of confidence become hurdles.

Here are ways parents can help:

• Give simple practice tests so your child can develop a test-taking habit. Keep them shorter than 15 minutes to keep your child’s interest.

• Assure your child that it’s OK to make mistakes. Mistakes give us a chance to see gaps in knowledge and to learn.

• Help your child learn from mistakes. Circle the answers he gets wrong. Together, read more about the subject in the book. Ask your child more questions about the material—so she can see it from different angles.

It’s also important to let dyslexic children, and those with other learning problems, explain their answers, experts say. This helps them relax and avoid guessing in the future.

It also gives them a chance to improve while competing only against themselves. Self-competition—not competition with peers—will give you and your child a truer picture of what your child is able to do.

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