Coping with Standardized Test Stress: 8 Strategies

If you’re not looking smart enough, it will be missed. Isn’t that the key when it comes to formative assessments, looking smartly at ways to extract what students have learned over a short length of time? That student assessment should be taking place daily in classes goes without question. There are a myriad number of ways to get this done. For example, you can insert questions of various difficulties throughout the lesson. In addition, you can have a set time within the task to quickly assess one to three written responses. An “Exit Slip” (written reflection at the end of class prompted by a question) is yet another example of a daily assessment.

The end of the year is an exciting time for parents and students because the school will soon be over, opening up the opportunity for summer adventures. However, there is usually one last hurdle to overcome before summer fun can begin: standardized testing. Such high-stake exams can leave students burned out and parents concerned about how to best support their children during this time. Read on to learn eight ways parents and students can collaborate to implement strategies to conquer standardized tests and even other exams.

1. Look at the Big Picture

Standardized testing is essential because ACT and SAT scores can help determine which colleges a student can attend. Students, you should try your best to score as high as possible, but at the same time, don’t worry yourself sick over these tests. Colleges will look at everything from your grades to your statement. Some colleges don’t even require standardized test scores.

Parents, keep in mind that your son or daughter isn’t just afraid of failing a test many times. They’re also afraid of disappointing you. So please don’t get angry at or guilt-trip them when they try their best because that will only make them more distressed.

2. Take Breaks

Studying all day won’t help students succeed on their tests. Instead, break should be taken every 60-90 minutes.

Some break ideas: students can quick walk, talk to a friend briefly, see what they missed on social media, or get up and stretch. Parents can support taking breaks or even do one of these activities with the student.

3. Anxiety-Reducing Activities

As part of self-care, or as part of a break, students and even parents can do activities that will help reduce stress and anxiety, together or each individually, such as the following:

  • Meditate: Today, there are many meditation resources, such as Youtube videos or the website/app Headspace. In one Oxford study of Google and Roche employees, the use of Headspace caused a decrease in anxiety and depression. In addition, meditation can help center and calm students and parents, especially when paired with deep-breathing exercises.
  • Exercise: Working out gets endorphins flowing, which can lead to a sense of well-being. It also burns nervous energy and gives fresh air.
  • 4) Do a Practice Test

    There is a practice SAT and ACT everywhere. Parents can help with giving students the instructions and timing them. Hopefully, this can help students feel more comfortable with the testing format and boost their confidence if they score well. It can also help highlight weak spots. For example, if the student struggles with the math section but excels with the reading section, then the student knows to concentrate on studying math.

    Free Practice test links:

    SBAC : https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/sbac-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    PARCC : https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/parcc-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    ACT Aspire : https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/act-aspire-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    FSA : https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/fsa-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    TNReady: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/tnready-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    ILEARN: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/ilearn-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    LEAP 2025: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/leap-2025-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    GMAS: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/gmas-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    MO-MAP: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/mo-map-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    OST: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/ost-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    MAAP: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/maap-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    NYST: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/nyst-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    CMAS: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/cmas-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html
    MCAS: https://www.lumoslearning.com/llwp/mcas-free-online-guide-information-tips-practice-test-strategies.html

    5. Come up with Rewards

    If you have a hard time staying focused on studying, students develop a goal system to reward themselves for studying or doing a practice test. For example, watch one episode of a TV show you’re enjoying or get a Starbucks drink. Parents can help with setting fair rewards and maybe chip in for the cost.

    6. Find a Clean Workspace

    A messy desk or a room piled with dirty clothes can induce anxiety and affect concentration. To study more effectively, students should consider finding the cleanest or simplest room in the house that will allow them to focus and be relaxed. Another option is to sit outside or go to the library. Students and parents could also clean the student’s room or another area of the house to make a simple, calming workspace conducive to concentration.

    7) Talk about Feelings

    Students, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or worried, talk to your parent, a trusted friend or write about it in a journal. First, it helps to get your feelings out. Next, please find a way to explain your fears and then address them logically one by one.

    8) Get Creative

    Students should take a break. They can do something creative and refreshing. They can write in a bullet journal, draw, paint, or do an adult coloring book. But they can’t spend all their time on these!

    Hopefully, these eight strategies will help both parents and students alike cope with the stress of the standardized testing season. Remember, for those of you reading: being patient with each other, expressing your love, and dealing with standardized testing will be much more manageable.

    Back-to-School

    Related Links

    SBAC Practice resources for standardized tests

    Kara Paul