What could help Marcela, a student from Ecuador unfamiliar with standardized tests, in her educational experience?

Providing guidance on strategies to take standardized tests can significantly enhance Marcela's educational experience. Standardized tests often have specific formats and types of questions that may differ from what she encountered in her educational background in Ecuador. By equipping her with test-taking strategies, such as understanding the types of questions, time management, and techniques for answering multiple-choice questions, she can approach the tests with more confidence and feel better prepared. This support addresses her unfamiliarity and helps to mitigate anxiety associated with testing, ultimately contributing to a more equitable assessment environment.

Enabling her to take exams in her native language might seem beneficial, but standardized tests are often designed with specific language constructs in mind and may not accommodate translations well. While unstructured test environments might reduce stress for some students, they could also be confusing without clear guidelines, particularly for someone who is adjusting to a new testing system. Encouragement to avoid standardized assessments would not provide Marcela with the tools necessary to succeed in a system she will likely encounter throughout her educational journey. Therefore, guiding her on strategies to navigate these assessments is the most supportive approach.