State testing season is here, and while it can be a stressful time for both teachers and students, the right strategies can make a world of difference. With thoughtful preparation and engaging review methods, your students can feel confident and ready to tackle their math assessments. In this post, I’ll share actionable state testing tips that I have used and will help you create a stress-free and effective testing environment for your students.
Create a Positive Testing Mindset for State Testing
A positive mindset can be the key to success during state testing. Build students’ confidence by reminding them of how much they’ve learned throughout the year. Use affirmations, growth mindset discussions, and Positive Testing Notes to reinforce encouragement. These little boosts can ease anxiety and set the tone for a successful test day.
One of my favorite ways to do this is by leaving personalized positive notes for my students. One way that I have done this is the afternoon before testing, I take the time to write a short note on each student’s desk. These messages remind them that they are prepared, smart, and capable of doing their best. (Note: this is dependent on how strict the rule for testing are for your school/district/state)
Most years, I ask parents to send in encouraging notes for their children to read on the first morning of testing. Seeing their families’ words of support brings a smile to their faces and reassures them that they are not alone. I write personal notes or ask teachers in the building to write personal notes for students’ that do not have a note from home.
Another great way to build a positive environment is to decorate the classroom with student-created positive testing coloring sheets. The students love coloring these sheets for morning work on testing days. When they are done, instead of tossing them, I hang them up around the room as positive reminders while they are testing. These sheets, filled with motivational quotes and fun designs, allow students to engage in a calming, low-pressure activity while also setting an encouraging tone for the testing days ahead.
Other simple but effective ways to boost confidence:
- Start a morning routine where students share one thing they feel confident about.
- Display motivational posters or have a “cheer wall” where students add supportive messages.
- Use visualization exercises where students imagine themselves calmly answering questions and succeeding.
Review Key Concepts with Engaging Activities
Revisiting key math concepts is an essential state testing tip, but drill-and-kill worksheets won’t keep students engaged. Instead, mix things up with hands-on activities, interactive games, and structured small-group review.
Small-Group Review
A great way to provide targeted instruction is through small-group review. Start by analyzing data from previous assessments, benchmark tests, or state test practice questions to determine which skills need the most reinforcement. Group students based on specific areas of need, ensuring that each group gets focused support.
How to Structure a Small-Group Session:
Set up a 20-30 minute rotation where each group works on a different skill. Use whiteboards, manipulatives, or task cards to make learning hands-on and interactive. Keep groups fluid—students can move in and out based on their mastery of key concepts.
What to Review:
Focus on high-leverage skills that appear frequently on state tests. Use sample test questions and guided problem-solving strategies to help students build confidence.
How to Track Progress:
Keep a simple tracking sheet with notes on student performance and adjust your groups accordingly. The goal is to ensure that each student gets the reinforcement they need before test day.
Digital Review
Incorporate self-checking digital resources like End-of-Year Pixel Art Activities to make test prep engaging and independent. These resources allow students to practice standards-aligned questions while receiving instant feedback. Digital tools like Google Forms quizzes, Kahoot, or Boom Cards are also excellent for reinforcing concepts in an interactive way.
For more details on engaging games and review activities, check out our post on Math Test Review Strategies for State Testing.
Familiarize Students with the Test Format
Many students struggle not with the content but with the format of the test itself. Help them feel more comfortable by:
Using Released Test Questions
Practice with real test questions to get students familiar with how they are worded and structured. This can significantly reduce test anxiety and help students develop strategies for tackling different question types.
- Where to Find Questions: Check your state’s department of education website for past released test questions. These resources provide insight into the types of problems students will encounter on the real test.
- How to Implement: Make released questions part of daily warm-ups or weekly review. Discuss common tricky question formats and demonstrate problem-solving techniques step by step.
- Guided Review: Work through a set of problems together as a class, then assign independent or small-group practice with targeted feedback.
Teaching Test-Taking Strategies
Beyond content knowledge, students need strategies to navigate test questions efficiently. Teach them to:
- Eliminate Wrong Answers: Show students how to cross out clearly incorrect choices to improve their odds of selecting the right one.
- Plug Answer Choices Back Into the Problem: Encourage students to test multiple-choice answers by substituting them into the equation or scenario.
- Underline Keywords & Directions: Model how to annotate questions, highlighting important words like “sum,” “difference,” or “except.”
- Skip and Return: Teach students that if a question is stumping them, it’s okay to move on and return to it later with fresh eyes.
Simulating Test Conditions
Students should experience what the actual test day will feel like so they are fully prepared. Simulating state testing conditions helps students build stamina and familiarity with the testing environment. I go all in! I make the environment serious just as if we were testing to give students an idea of what to expect, get those jitters out, and a chance to ask questions/clarify before the big day.
Here’s what I do:
- Cover Anchor Charts: While it might feel unnatural, take down or cover classroom charts and resources students typically rely on. This will mimic the testing environment and encourage them to rely on their own knowledge and strategies.
- Practice with a Teacher Script: Many standardized tests come with a structured script for test administration. Read through the instructions exactly as they will be delivered on test day so students know what to expect.
- Timed Practice: Administer a mock test with the exact timing students will have during the real exam. Encourage them to pace themselves and answer all questions within the given time.
- Testing Etiquette: Teach students how to handle test-taking procedures, including staying quiet, raising their hands for questions, and putting their heads down when finished. This creates a structured, low-stress environment that mirrors the real testing day.
Encourage Healthy Test-Taking Habits
I always include these state testing tips in my weekly newsletter in the weeks leading up to state testing so parents know the importance of helping their students be their best selves for state testing. Communicating with families about test prep can make a big difference in how students show up on test day. Here are some key habits to emphasize: A well-rested and well-prepared student will perform better.
Remind students (and parents) to focus on:
- Getting Enough Sleep: A full night’s sleep is crucial for memory retention and focus. Encourage an earlier bedtime leading up to the test.
- Eating Brain-Boosting Foods: Discuss the importance of a healthy breakfast with proteins and whole grains instead of sugary cereals.
- Taking Brain Breaks: Teach students simple breathing exercises or stretching routines to use before and during the test.
Celebrate Small Wins
Recognizing progress and effort is just as important as reviewing content. Celebrations don’t have to be elaborate—sometimes, a small moment of acknowledgment is all it takes to keep motivation high.
Here are a few ideas to make testing season feel rewarding:
- Testing Day Treats: Give out small, encouraging surprises like stickers, erasers, or even handwritten notes on their desks.
- Post-Test Reflection: Have students write or share something they felt proud of after each testing day to reinforce their progress.
- Student Shout-Outs: Dedicate a space on the board for students to recognize their classmates for their hard work and perseverance. Students need to feel recognized for their effort. Whether it’s celebrating a strong practice test performance or simply their perseverance in preparing, make time for small rewards, class celebrations, and positive reinforcement. These can go a long way in reducing stress and keeping motivation high.
Final State Testing Tips
Preparing for state testing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these state testing tips and fostering a supportive environment, you can help your students feel more confident and prepared.
Want to add an extra boost of positivity to your classroom? Download your free Positive Testing Notes and give your students the encouragement they need!
