STAAR Testing Anxeity

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So in Texas we have our state testing coming up and I been getting a lot of students with anxiety and worries about this test. Any advice how to help them on this?

Specializes in NCSN.
The teachers are the ones with the test anxiety. The public educational world revolves around the "TEST" and thus, the only gauge of the teacher's performance comes from the percent of their students that pass the "TEST." The anxiety flows to the students by way of emotional diffusion. Anxiety that flows from regions of higher concentration to regions of lower concentration and thus results in equal concentration of anxiety between teachers and students.

Source: "OldDude's Theory of Standardized Test Hysteria"

I have watched this flow of anxiety for things like the Noro Virus outbreak we had a few weeks ago. The teacher got freaked out and just started sending down students who "looked off", which caused them to come to my office where there were students puking, then they became convinced that they were sick too and the cycle continued.

We have testing in April and since I'm a newbie I assumed it would be a quiet day. I didn't even think of headaches and testing anxiety. :(

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Specializes in School.

Another issue about this time is the restrooms. Both boys and girls restrooms have to have a monitor. Only one student in the restroom at a time and teachers are not to go into them either (depending on what test it is.) Like they are going to exchange answers or something. Everything is signed for, guarded, and kept under lock and key.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Another issue about this time is the restrooms. Both boys and girls restrooms have to have a monitor. Only one student in the restroom at a time and teachers are not to go into them either (depending on what test it is.) Like they are going to exchange answers or something. Everything is signed for, guarded, and kept under lock and key.

Including the vomit soaked test materials that go into the sealed container for proof the child went home because of illness before they were able to complete the exam. CSI isn't as stringent.

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Specializes in NCSN.
Including the vomit soaked test materials that go into the sealed container for proof the child went home because of illness before they were able to complete the exam. CSI isn't as stringent.

Now I'm getting anxiety about my role during the state testing lol

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Now I'm getting anxiety about my role during the state testing lol

Awwwww

*holds your hand and deep breathes with you*

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Awwwww

*holds your hand and deep breathes with you*

I'll provide the guided imagery :bag:

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Specializes in NCSN.
I'll provide the guided imagery :bag:

:barf02:You already did with the "vomit soaked test materials"

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I'm currently a science teacher here in Texas of 8th grade students. Testing is my absolutely least favorite thing to do and the emphasis on it is what has lead me to pursue a career change. Unfortunately, the test do semi count here, as moving on to the next grade level and even graduation can be prevented if the tests are not passed. :no: Totally ridiculous. I teach only high achieving gifted students in a gifted magnet campus and the anxiety of these already anxious kids is awful. I find that if I don't acknowledge they are feeling legitimate stress it makes it worse but a "take a deep breath, relax, and go get a drink" or even a pat on the shoulder to grimacing faces can be helpful. As someone who deals with severe testing anxiety I can assure you it is a very real feeling and I've never failed a single exam.

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Specializes in School nurse.
I'll provide the guided imagery :bag:

Think Mermaids

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Agreed! What I believe is that it ok to have an average level of stress which helps one to become responsible towards their studies and improve performance but the overwhelming anxiety and pressure from teachers and parent could be severely affected by kids performance and thinking process. Stress during exam time is normal, but kids should know how to reduce it.

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:yes:

Awwwww

*holds your hand and deep breathes with you*

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Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

I had miss a day yesterday because my own child got sick (The irony!) and I came back with EVERYTHING covered, even my door! I just feel so bad for these kids... I really wish they stopped this testing.

I don't have enough ice packs, but I have some ready for headaches and I have enough cups for water. I'll try to give some encouragement for these kids, but seriously this test is the dumps.

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