One elementary school's response to test anxiety - playing classical music and letting kids chew gum:
Students at Hazelwood Elementary were allowed to chew gum and listen to classical music as they started the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) Monday. Given statewide, the test is used to measure how students in third through eighth grades perform compared to others in the state and to students nationwide.
In Montgomery County, teachers and principals carefully considered what they could do to help students overcome any anxiety they may have about testing.
"We took advantage of every accommodation the State Department of Education allowed us," Hazelwood Principal Rhonda Kennedy said about students chewing gum. "Some research shows it's actually a tool to help them stay attentive."
The Tennessee DOE does indeed have a page on how teachers can help alleviate test anxiety, and a page on allowable accommodations; I didn't see anything in there about chewing gum, though. Wonder if blowing bubbles would be out of line?
More information on reducing text anxiety in children can be found at the US Dept of Education site and the United Federation of Teachers site. Interestingly, the UFT site's suggestions are all discussions between parent and child, with the "most important" tip being to remind your kids that "you will love them no matter what happens." The US DOE site, on the other hand, suggests more non-emotional action on the part of parents, from providing a good breakfast and quiet study time to making sure the kid attends school regularly.
Posted by kswygert at March 23, 2004 04:16 PM