The Ultimate Guide to Test Taking: Dos and Don'ts for Parents, Teachers, and Students

Test-taking is underway for many American students this week, with more to follow in the coming weeks. The completion of these tests has become a signal that summer is drawing near. However, not all students rejoice at the thought of completing these standards-based assessments. For many students, parents, and teachers alike, “test” has become a four-letter word that evokes dread and anxiety. However, with proper preparation, a positive attitude, and support, students can develop confidence in their knowledge and take pride in their results. Let’s dive into the dos and don’ts for students, parents, and teachers to help create a smooth and enjoyable testing season.

📘Students📘

Students are asked to complete a standardized assessment in English and Mathematics during the fourth quarter in grades 3-8 and 11, along with a standardized assessment in science during the 5th, 8th, and 11th grades. The goal of these assessments is to determine a student's individual abilities in relation to the accepted, state-recognized content standards, which vary from state to state. This can be a significant mental burden for students of all ability levels. Below you will find some dos and don’ts to ensure your student is set up for success.

Do Practice Healthy Habits

Ensuring students receive an adequate amount of sleep, follow the recommended screen time limits, and eat a balanced, filling meal before testing are great steps to help them feel ready to shine.

Do Practice Good Time Management Skills

When beginning the test, take a minute to skim over the test questions and “tackle” the problems you are most comfortable with first. Throughout the test, periodically check the remaining time to ensure you are able to attempt each problem, as an attempt on each problem, whether you are confident in your answer or not, is better than leaving it blank.

Do Stay Calm and Confident

When it is time to test, take a deep breath and RELAX! Work to keep the voice in your head positive with thoughts like “I’ve learned this!” or “I can do hard things,” or my student’s personal favorite, “I’ve got a big brain – time to use it!” Most importantly, as you work through your assessments, trust your instincts! You have worked hard this year to complete the coursework; now is the time to let that learning and your progress shine!

Don’t Cram the Night Before

Allow your brain to have a well-earned break and take the night before testing off! Enjoy a movie with family, read a good book, or play a board game with your siblings and friends! Whatever you do, don’t stress your brain!

Don’t Leave Questions Blank

Using your skills of reasoning and deduction will be important to ensure that each question has an answer. If you are not sure, work through what you do and don’t know and eliminate choices accordingly. After selecting what you feel is the best answer, forget the problem and move on! Not knowing one answer will not ruin your score, so do NOT let it ruin your mindset!

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Just like popcorn, all students process and grow at their own speed! Don’t judge your abilities by someone else’s, whether that’s how quickly or slowly the assessment is completed or the final score! Your success is not based upon others!

Don’t Give Up When It’s Hard

You are so much more than your test score. All anyone can ask of you is to try your best! Even when it’s hard, give it your all! You will be so proud of yourself at the end when you do!

👨‍👩‍👧Parents👨‍👩‍👧

Although parents are not asked to complete the task of standardized testing, it feels like they also bear a heavy load this time of year, trying to help their students navigate the stress of testing. Being a positive support figure for your student is one way to enable them to have a great testing experience.  Below are some dos and don’ts you can implement to help your student be successful!

Do Encourage Consistent Study Habits

Good study habits are developed throughout the year with constant emphasis and support from parents. Being actively involved in your student’s learning doesn’t mean just showing up for conferences – it’s being there every day to help reinforce their learning and refine their healthy habits.

Do Create a Calm Home Environment

The week(s) of testing is not the time to take on a home construction project or entirely flip the script on your student's schedule. Provide your learner with a calm home to allow them to relax after exerting themselves on these intense assessments.

Do Celebrate Effort Over Outcome

In our house, the rule is that we will be proud if they give their best effort. This sets realistic expectations, taking the pressure of perfection off their shoulders.

Do be Available for Emotional Support

Although for adults, these tests do not feel “major,” they are mentally and emotionally draining for students. Be there for a hug or quick chat and keep an eye on their mental state. A positive affirmation from a parent can be a game changer, setting the tone for a positive experience for the student.

Don’t Project Your Anxiety

Now is NOT the time to share stories of your traumatic testing experiences. Keep the focus on the learner and emphasize how amazing you think they are!

Don’t Place Undue Pressure

An emphasis on excellence is already in place at school. Make sure your learner knows you think they are capable of hard things, and this is an opportunity for them to prove that!

🍎Teachers🍎

Teachers are the backbone of the education system. Devoting themselves entirely to the success of their students. For some, standardized testing can feel like judgment day. Here are some tips for teachers to take away some of that stress.

Do Teach Test-Taking Strategies

Throughout the year, take time to teach and reinforce the strategies and time management techniques that will allow your students to find success.

Do Create a Low-Stress Environment

Standardized testing can feel like a storm attacking your classroom. Work diligently to be “the calm in the storm” for your students, emphasizing your belief in their abilities.

Do Allow Review Opportunities

Fun review games are fantastic ways to bring levity to your classroom amid “the storm,” and sample tests help students manage anxiety as these samples allow them to know what to expect on these assessments.

Do Model a Growth Mindset

Just as parents should emphasize progress, teachers need to remind students that the goal of this assessment is growth, not perfection. All students can accomplish challenging tasks when asked to.

Don’t Let Tests Define Students

As all teachers know, this snapshot of a student's ability is just that, a small peek into the amazing individuals they are – make sure your students know this too!

Don’t be Afraid to Ask For Support

If you think there's something that could make the testing experience a little better for your students, don’t be afraid to ask for it from your families. Some of my favorite things to send with my students are new pencils, hard candy for concentration, and a snack or sweet treat to reward their class for the hard work they have completed at the end of a testing session!

Testing season doesn’t have to be defined by stress and anxiety – it can be an opportunity for growth, reflection, and empowerment! Whether you’re the one taking the test, cheering from the sidelines, or leading from the front of the classroom, your role in this process is essential. When students feel supported by informed parents and intentional teachers, they gain the tools and confidence needed to show what they truly know – and take pride in the end results!

By embracing thoughtful preparation, steady routines, and emotional encouragement, we can help shift the mindset around testing from dread and anxiety to confidence and pride. While test scores provide a snapshot of a student's academic growth, the real achievement lies in the resilience and motivation we see in our students during these testing days.

Let’s work together to make this testing season not just a check box on the list of things to do before the end of the year, but a meaningful stepping stone in every student’s learning journey. What’s your go-to tip for test success? Drop it in the comments or share with someone who needs it this week!