This article offers guidance for teachers seeking to improve instruction and their students' success rates, especially for those in urban schools. Furthermore, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of in-class preparation tests, which teachers often administer to help increase students' chances for success on state-mandated tests. In-class practice tests, consisting of daily samples of math, reading, and writing, are given to students at different times during a class period. The basic assumption is that if students are prepared, they will do well on the actual examination. Each student, regardless of location, population, and funds allotted to the school district, must take these examinations.