State Testing Season: Preparing Without All the Stress

I can’t think of a single person-parent, educator, or child-who actually looks forward to, or thinks state testing is important. Why do administrators put such pressure on them? Well, funding mostly. Many public schools in the Unites States are categorized as A, B, C, or D schools. An A school is going to get more funding than a C or D school because it means that they had more students perform at a higher level.

Why do kids with learning disabilities get pushed through even when they are failing? Funding! (Mostly. Sometimes it really is just the lack of support.) Isn’t it funny how even when we are dealing with the future generation, with kids, that money still seems to be the most important thing?

Anyways, rant over. This is why I’m a former teacher.

So, unless you are homeschooling, or you’re at a special private/micro school, your child is most likely going to have to complete these state tests, starting in 3rd grade. 3rd grade, especially in the southern states where I have first hand experience, is where it gets serious. It is also where I noticed 8 year olds going to therapy for anxiety. Over TESTS! How sad is that? And as teachers and parents, there’s not much we can do, but I’m going to give you some tips and strategies that you can implement over the next month or so before testing begins to hopefully help things go a little smoother.

1. Don’t let state testing consume you. Don’t think about the grades. Yes, in some cases, it might mean your child could be held back a grade if they don’t pass, but sometimes, that’s not the end of the world. If you’re constantly stressing over it, that stress will transfer to them, and even if they prepare, they most likely won’t do well.

2. Encourage positive self-talk. The way you talk to them can transfer into the way they speak to themselves. Remind them daily how smart and hard working they are. If your child has a learning disability and is behind most of their peers, they most likely struggle with their confidence. When children lack confidence, sometimes they get to the point of not even trying.

3. Encourage outside time! If your child is in public school, they’re already spending most of their day inside, at a desk, and a lot of times, in front of a screen as well. Fresh air can do wonders and can help revive the brain.

4. Early bed-times and healthy snacks. Especially during testing weeks, sleep and brain food is so important! Avoid processed and packaged snacks, dyes, and snacks that are high in sugar. Protein is key! Check out some of the other blog posts on my website written by Shannon Ebbers that dive a little deeper into that.

5. Encourage self-advocacy. Let your child know that it is okay to ask for help, and that they should! No one knows everything, and it shows maturity when they are in-tune with what they do and do not know.

6. Don’t compare grades. Your child needs to know that everyone learns at a different pace, and in different ways. Talk about what type of learner they are, and then how to use those strengths and weaknesses to their advantage!

Don’t let testing overwhelm you. The school is already going to be talking about it probably daily. Kids don’t need to be hearing about it at home all the time. The biggest thing is to encourage them to do their best, work hard, and forget the rest. State tests don’t measure intelligence. Remember that.

If you’re looking for some extra support during this time, please reach out! I would love to offer resources or even help your child review and prepare.

Love, Jess

Send me an email! Jessalyn@inspiredtutors.org

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