In this workshop you will learn…  How to recognize test taking anxiety  The difference between just being nervous for an exam and suffering from anxiety  The negative effects of test taking anxiety  Techniques and methods to assist students in minimizing their anxiety before, during, and after a test  How to teach students to regulate their own anxieties  When, how, and if you should inform the parents REMEMBER WE ARE TEACHERS YOU CANNOT TELL STUDENTS’ PARENTS THEY HAVE ANXIETY DISORDER WITHOUT APPROPRIATE INFORMATION!

A little about me I am a Teacher’s Assistant in the Special Services Department at Commack Middle School I have working with students with disabilities for three years I am a certified Elementary school teacher, Special Education teacher, and soon to be a Literacy teacher I have interned in ABA classrooms and worked with behavioral consultants

Do I have test anxiety? Self-Assessment (Sample) I worry that I am not well prepared for tests even though I have studied diligently. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely When I get in the classroom on a test day, I am so nervous that I start to forget what I learned. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely During a test all I can think about is potentially failing. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely My grades don’t reflect the effort I put into studying. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely Before a test, I doubt my knowledge of the material. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely When my teacher hands out tests, I feel panicked and overwhelmed. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely During a test I sweat, feel nauseous, my hands shake, and my pulse races. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely During a test I tend to make careless mistakes. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely Before a test I am so worried about worst-case scenarios that I procrastinate in studying. a. Always b. Sometimes c. Rarely Mostly A’s: Sounds like you’re experiencing some pretty intense test anxiety. But that’s okay! Plenty of people do. Try talking to your academic/guidance counselor and even your friends and family about coping with stress and gaining additional support. Mostly B’s: You seem to have a common level of test anxiety. Remember not to let those anxious moments get the best of you, and if you ever feel your stress levels getting out of whack, talk to trusted advisors and friends about keeping your cool. Mostly C’s: Test anxiety? What test anxiety?! You have confidence to spare, and as long as you’re doing well on those tests, that’s great. Just don’t let your breezy attitude carry you away if you notice your grades slipping!

Ice Breaker Circle Activity Please stand up and form a circle

What is Test take Anxiety? On an index card jot down a few signs that you see as test taking anxiety. Then, turn and talk to a colleague about what you view as a sign of anxiety.

Turn and talk Without using real names can you think of any of your students who display these signs? Turn and discuss with a partner what you have observed in your own classroom. Try to brainstorm what you could do to help these students reduce their stress levels. Then, we will share and review techniques.

ZooBurst viewer.php?book=zb01_5433f90fd60a8 (Have on slides also if it doesn’t come up )

What is test anxiety

3 FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO ANXIETY  Biology (genetic predisposition)  Cognitive-Emotional influences (your experiences/self- confidence/ability to handle stress)  Chronic stress

Main Signs How can test anxiety affect a student?

Be on the look out

Physical characteristics

More Symptoms Fidgeting Avoidance of testing situations Dropping out of school to avoid testing Substance abuse “blanking out” Negative self-talk Trouble concentrating on the test Mind racing thoughts

Symptoms continued Emotional Symptoms Depression Low self-esteem Anger Feeling of hopelessness

There are many methods to help diminish test taking anxiety. Strategies should be used prior to, during, and after the exam. Parents can help students to put methods into practice at home and remind them of strategies to implement while they are taking the test. Steps to take to help reduce test anxiety

Skills to Teach students Take time to review test taking techniques with students. Especially in this era of Standardized Testing, students need to learn how to control their nerves. Take some time to ensure students have methods in their toolbox to relax themselves before an exam. Test anxiety is something that impacts students from all ethnic backgrounds and grade levels. Helping students learn to effectively manage anxiety is a challenging task that requires a genuine team effort.

What to teach students… VIDEO TO SHOW YOUR STUDENTS:

A video to give your student/child tips to reduce anxiety

Before the exam Give yourself ample amount of time to review material Make a list of the topic/chapters/materials that will be on the exam. Write down any formulas, definitions or key facts that you need to know. Make flash cards, outlines, drawings, etc DO NOT PROCRASTINATE – start studying early! Test yourself on the material Ask your teacher anything you are unsure of

The night before..  Gather any materials you might need like a scantron, pencils, pens, erasers, or a calculator  Avoid cramming information the night before it can make it more difficult to relax  Get a good nights sleep!

The day of the exam...  Eat a good healthy breakfast, full of protein to keep you full  Be on time – if you drive it helps to leave early to get a good parking spot  Leave time to relax and breathe before the exam  Don’t talk to other students that will make you more nervous, but remember you are all in the same boat!

During the exam…  Do not rush – chances are you have a lot of time  Read all directions CAREFULLY  If you are stuck on a question, skip it and go back to it, DO NOT DWELL  Focus on only your test – for all you know the student next to you is guessing  Do not worry who finishes before or after you – you do not know how they did!  Remember to relax and breathe – you will get through it!

AFTER THE EXAM…  FORGET ABOUT IT!  Do not compare answers with friends it will only make you second guess yourself  Reflect on what strategies you tried that may have helped you.

Prepare your students for all types of questions Main idea Compare and Contrast Making Predictions Recalling Details Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences Sequencing Cause and Effect Word Meaning Fact and Opinion Figurative Language Author’s Purpose

Students should learn to rate their own anxiety levels

Suggestions for Teachers 1.Consult with a school psychologist or counselor on the use of cognitive behavioral intervention. You might want to discuss family counseling if you think the pressure is stemming from parental expectations. 2. Encourage students to use positive self-talk as an alternative to negative thoughts about their perceived ability and performance prior to and during testing situations. Teach ways of replacing negative self- thought (“I am not smart enough to do this right”) with positive self- thought (“I studied hard and am doing the best I can”).

Continued… 3. Teach students relaxation techniques. Students may relax easier if they listen to music or watch a movie before an exam. 4. Provide accommodations, where appropriate, for students with documented test anxiety or ensure students with an IEP receive their correct services Examples: Alternate location Extended time Oral administration Bulleted essays

Continued… 5. Teach your students note taking skills (SQ3R, Outlining, Graphic Organizers) 6. Time Management skills teach your students to set reasonable goals and set aside time to study multiple times per week 7. Offer Extra Help the day of the exam because often when studying questions arise and students with anxiety are likely to dwell on the couple of questions that they do not know the answers to 8. Attempt to avoid scheduling exams the same day as many other teachers.

Sources Harris, H., & Coy, D. (n.d.). Helping Students Cope with Test Anxiety. ERIC Digest.. Helping Students Cope with Test Anxiety. ERIC Digest.. Retrieved October 20, 2014, from Study Guides and Strategies. (n.d.). Overcoming test anxiety. Retrieved October 26, 2014, from

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