Simple Strategies to Reduce Test Anxiety & Build Confidence
For many students, high-stakes testing can feel overwhelming—especially if they’ve never encountered the digital tools or question formats before. The unfamiliarity of the test environment alone can lead to anxiety, even if students know the content. However, with the right approach, you can remove the fear factor and help students feel calm, confident, and prepared on test day.
Expose Students to the Testing Platform Early
One of the biggest challenges students face isn’t just the content of the test—it’s the format itself. Many state tests are now fully online, requiring students to navigate a variety of digital tools and question types. Without prior exposure, even simple tasks like using a highlighter or submitting an answer can become obstacles.
Why This Matters
Students often struggle with:
- Using digital tools like highlighters, rulers, calculators, and annotation features.
- Answering different question formats, such as multi-part, multi-select, drag-and-drop, and constructed response.
- Navigating the test interface, including moving between questions and submitting answers correctly. Learn more about navigating the STAAR test in Texas HERE.
How to Build Familiarity
The best way to ensure students feel comfortable on test day is to expose them to the platform ahead of time. Many states provide released practice tests or sample questions on their education websites. These are valuable resources that mirror the actual test environment.
Action Step:
✅ Visit your state’s official education website and download any available sample questions or practice tests. Link to STAAR test in Texas HERE.
✅ Set aside time for students to work through practice questions in the same format they will encounter on test day.
💡 Pro Tip: If possible, have students practice on the same devices they’ll use for the test. If your school uses Chromebooks, for example, make sure they’re comfortable navigating tools on that device.
Incorporate Test-Like Questions into Daily Routines
One of the easiest and most effective ways to prepare students is through consistent exposure to test-style questions all year long—not just in the weeks leading up to testing season.
Why It Works
✅ Reduces anxiety by making test questions feel familiar, rather than intimidating.
✅ Builds stamina and focus, so students don’t feel exhausted on test day.
✅ Reinforces test-taking strategies in small, manageable doses.
The Best Way to Do This? Daily Warm-Ups!
Instead of making test prep feel like a stressful event, embed test-style questions into daily warm-ups.
Ideas for Test-Style Warm-Ups:
✔️ Multiple-choice and multi-select questions.
✔️ Short constructed response prompts.
✔️ Revising and editing practice with a focus on vocabulary.
Think of It Like Training for a Marathon
No one wakes up and runs 26 miles without practice. Instead, they train in small increments over time to build endurance and confidence.
📝 The same applies to testing! Small, consistent practice ensures students feel prepared and capable when the real test arrives.
Research Your State’s Test Requirements
Not all standardized tests are the same! Each state has its own format, question types, and scoring system. To set your students up for success, it’s important to research your state’s specific test requirements.
Where to Find Official Test Resources
📌 Visit your state’s education website and search for:
✔️ Released test questions from previous years.
✔️ Sample tests and scoring rubrics.
✔️ Guidelines on how student responses are graded.
💡 Pro Tip: Many states provide previously released test questions, which make for perfect, realistic practice sessions.
Final Thoughts: Set Your Students Up for Success!
✅ The more familiar students are with the test format, tools, and question types, the more confident they’ll feel.
✅ Daily exposure through warm-ups and practice questions makes test-taking feel natural, not stressful.
✅ Researching your state’s test expectations ensures you’re preparing students in the most effective way possible.
By making test prep a consistent, low-stress part of your routine, you’re not just helping students pass a test—you’re equipping them with skills and confidence that will benefit them far beyond test day.
Want more strategies for test prep?
Check out more resources on the blog or browse my test prep materials designed to make practice engaging and effective!