Last year there was a massive overhaul of the PSSA (administered in grades 3 through 8 in English Language Arts and mathematics) so that it was fully aligned to the more rigorous PA Core Standards. This “new” test caused a massive downfall in scores across the state that placed extra stress on students, teachers, schools and even districts.

There are some myths out there that cyber students don’t take these assessments – not true! PSSA’s and Keystone exams are administered for ALL cyber students, regardless of where they live. Since cyber students cannot take the exams in their own homes, schools must rent faculties or utilize school owned resource centers to administer the exams in a secure environment.

Despite the added pressures from the state, some students handle testing with ease! For those that don’t, check out a few tips for managing the stress and anxiety for parents and students!

Parent Tips

1. Keep things “cool” –Keep your routine as normal as possible. Forcing your child to miss regularly scheduled weekly classes, activities or practices just to do “test-prep” may have a negative impact in the long run. There is an acceptable level of preparation of course – just don’t over- study or over-focus!
2. Planning Travel Appropriately – Unfortunately, the state can’t bring the test to you. If you have to drive your student, know in advance where your closest testing center is and what time you have to be there. You must arrive early, because once the tests begin a student cannot enter the facility.
3. Don’t feed the anxiety monster! – Even older students subconsciously imitate their surroundings. If you are a nervous wreck, they will be too! Don’t obsess, but also don’t ignore the tests. Talk casually about the tests and assure your child that individual performance on a test is not a condition for your acceptance or love!

Student Tips

1. Prepping – At some point, our brains can only handle so much! If you constantly are trying to remember tons of facts and formulas chances are eventually you are going to mix something up and end up thinking that the square root of pi is pecan. Knowing when to take a break and recharge is key to good test prep.
2. RUN! No, not run away from the test…RUN is an acronym frequently used by test prep companies to remind students to READ the instructions carefully, UNDERLINE specific actions to be completed and NOTE any special requirements.
3. Dress for Success – The testing center might not be as comfy as your desk at home. Dressing in layers will help you prepare for any environment and wearing comfortable shoes is another must.
4. Manage your Time – Manage your time by answering easier questions first, and going back to more difficult questions later.

What tips do you have to make it through the coming weeks? Let us know!