Yes, it is that time of year already – state testing season! Although it is state testing season that doesn’t mean teachers and students need to feel overwhelmed by the pressure. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how I approach state testing with my students.
Testing season can be stressful for both students and teachers. That’s why I wanted to share with you some strategies I’ve used to help my students stay calm, motivated and willing to do their best. It’s important to remember that students will feed off your energy, so how you approach the tests is how they will approach them.
As a teacher, I understand that test scores are important – they often determine funding and resources. However, it’s also important that I don’t let this pressure get me or stress out my students. Remember that these high stakes tests are not really high stakes for the students, at least in the moment. All I can do is encourage students to do their best.
In this episode on state testing season, I share:
- Acknowledge the test but don’t exhaust students by spending weeks cramming and prepping ahead of time.
- Create a positive environment by providing pep talks and encouragement on the days of testing
- Stress and anxiety towards testing will affect how students approach it.
- Remind students that the only expectation is to do the best they can
Related blog posts:
Be sure to join the Secondary ELA Facebook group where we will be continuing the conversation about state testing season.
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