Test Stress? 5 Ways to Support Students During State Assessments

State testing can be tough—to effectively support students during state assessments, it’s important to move beyond encouragement and provide clear, actionable support they can rely on. Assessment season can heighten anxiety for many students, especially in the upper elementary and middle school years. Instead of platitudes and vague encouragement, students need specific tools and support. Here are five practical, research-backed ways teachers and families can reduce stress and improve performance during testing season.

Be sure to share these tips with your peers, and perhaps consider sending a one-pager home for parents as well. (Don’t worry, we’ve made one for you. See below) Supporting students during state assessments requires all hands on deck.*

5 Real Ways to Support Students during State Assessments

1. Schedule mindfulness minutes.
Mindfulness is more than a buzzword—it works. One study found that brief mindfulness training boosted test scores by an average of 16 percentile points and improved working memory. Try a 5-minute guided breathing exercise right before testing each day. Free apps like Smiling Mind or Insight Timer offer child-friendly options.

2. Use “test talk” scripts in class.
Students often misinterpret test instructions. Build in practice with sample questions that mimic state test language. Use anchor charts with key vocabulary (“infer,” “analyze,” “justify”) and model how to approach each type. Find a list of commonly used test words here. Students are bound to get a few questions wrong, but it shouldn’t be because the don’t understand the question itself.

3. Implement low-stakes practice under timed conditions.
Once a week, simulate test conditions with time limits and no help. Then, debrief: ask students what felt difficult, what strategies helped, and what they would do differently next time.

4. Equip students with physical strategies.
Teach and rehearse test-day routines: deep breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4), shoulder rolls to release tension, and even posture tips (sit tall, feet flat). These micro-habits regulate nervous systems and improve focus. In the moments before the test, have students stand in the superhero pose for two minutes or more—it’s been proven to increase confidence and decrease stress hormones.

5. Communicate with families – (We’ll help!)
Send a short handout home with test-day logistics (arrival time, snacks, materials), plus tips for encouraging sleep and limiting screen time the night before. Invite parents to write simple notes of encouragement for their child to read before the test. We’ve already made you a handout, shared below.

Reducing test stress doesn’t require overhauling your curriculum. With a few intentional adjustments, you can help students approach assessments with confidence and clarity.

*If you’re working in schools but not running your own class yet, visit this website to learn how you can quickly and affordably earn your state-approved teaching certificate.