Spring is here, which means it’s officially state testing season in schools across the country. For administrators, this time of year can bring a mix of excitement, stress, and pressure—not just for students, but for teachers as well.
As an administrator, you play a key role in shaping the school culture around testing. When handled well, testing season can be an opportunity to build student confidence, strengthen instructional practices, and reinforce a sense of community. But if stress and anxiety take over, it can lead to burnout, disengagement, and frustration for both students and staff.
The good news? There are proven strategies to help keep morale high while preparing for standardized tests. In this blog, we’ll explore ways to boost student confidence, reduce teacher stress, and make testing season more manageable for everyone. Plus, grab your free downloadable resource with actionable strategies to help your school thrive during testing season.
Simple tips to reduce test anxiety and build confidence
Students feel the pressure of standardized testing, and without the right support, anxiety can impact performance. Here’s how you can help students feel prepared, confident, and capable.
- Shift the mindset: growth over performance
- Regularly remind students that test scores do not define them—standardized tests are just one measure of progress
- Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating effort, perseverance, and improvement over time
- Visit classrooms in the days leading up to testing to offer words of encouragement. Sometimes, hearing “You’ve got this!” from their principal makes all the difference
- Reduce test anxiety with simple strategies
- Offer short workshops on breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and mindfulness techniques to help students manage stress
- Normalize mistakes—encourage students to see testing as a chance to show what they know, not a high-stakes judgment
- Implement brain breaks during test prep to prevent fatigue and maintain focus
- Make test prep engaging
- Use games, movement-based activities, and collaborative learning to reinforce key concepts.
- Organize a testing spirit week with themes like “Brain Power Monday” and “Relax & Recharge Friday”
- Place motivational notes on students’ desks before testing begins. Small gestures create a sense of encouragement and support
Get access to Avanti’s proven strategies to boost student confidence and mastery before assessments. Start today with a FREE 7-day trial and take your teaching to the next level!
4 powerful ways to boost teacher morale
Testing isn’t just stressful for students—teachers feel the weight of it too. Many educators worry about student performance, instructional shifts, and the overall pressure of standardized assessments. Here’s how to keep their morale up.
- Acknowledge and appreciate their hard work
- Send handwritten notes or emails recognizing specific ways teachers have gone above and beyond
- Use staff meetings to highlight and celebrate small wins—whether it’s a creative test-prep lesson or a teacher who went the extra mile to encourage students
- Reduce stress where possible
- Lighten non-essential meetings or paperwork deadlines leading up to and during testing
- Set up a staff comfort station in the lounge with coffee, snacks, and self-care resources
- Offer “leave on time” challenges—encouraging teachers to unplug and recharge
- Create a fun, supportive atmosphere
- Plan morning surprise treats—donuts, bagels, or a coffee cart can make a big difference
- Implement “Secret Supporters,” where staff members leave anonymous notes of encouragement for each other
- Give out lighthearted awards after the testing season (e.g., “Most Positive Pep Talks” or “Best Classroom Testing Vibes”)
- Help teachers feel heard and supported
- Ask teachers directly: “What do you need to feel supported?” and take action on reasonable requests
- Provide extra planning time or classroom coverage when possible
- Foster collaboration & peer support through team check-ins or small-group discussions on best practices
Boost your students’ test-taking skills with literacy specialist Dr. Gwendolyn Battle Lavert’s expert strategies. Learn how to build academic stamina, enhance emotional intelligence, and overcome test anxiety for better performance in her blog, “4 Simple Steps to Boost Your Students’ Test-taking Skills.” Read now!
Testing season made easy with Avanti
If you’re looking for practical, research-backed strategies to support teachers and students during testing season, Avanti has you covered.
With Avanti, educators can:
- Access instructional videos from experts on test review strategies, student motivation, and managing student engagement
- Download resources to help students build confidence, focus, and resilience
- Save time with plug-and-play teacher support for effective test review – without burnout
- Join a community of educators to share ideas, strategies, and encouragement
Avanti makes it easy for teachers to access on-demand strategies they can implement immediately in their classrooms—without adding extra work to their already busy schedules.
Get Your Free Testing Season Resource!
We’ve put together a free downloadable resource with ready-to-use strategies for keeping students motivated and teachers energized during testing season.
📥 Download Your Free Resource Now
This resource includes:
✅ A checklist for creating a positive testing culture
✅ Quick classroom activities to reduce student stress
✅ Teacher self-care strategies to prevent burnout
✅ Ideas for celebrating student effort and success
By using Avanti’s expert-backed tools and resources, you can turn testing season into an opportunity for growth, motivation, and success for both students and educators.
Let’s work together to make this testing season the most positive and productive one yet!
What’s your Favorite testing season strategy?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your best tips for keeping students and teachers motivated during testing season in the comments below.
Ready to explore more? Visit my-avanti.com to see how Avanti can support your teachers and students year-round.
Amanda Graves
Amanda Graves is a dedicated Content Specialist at Solution Tree, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Prior to joining Solution Tree, Amanda spent 12 years in the education sector, leaving an indelible mark as a teacher across elementary, middle, and high school levels. With a passion for fostering collaborative learning environments, she served as a PLC (Professional Learning Community) leader, guiding fellow educators towards impactful teaching practices.
Amanda's commitment to professional growth extended beyond her classroom. She frequently facilitated professional development sessions within her school community, empowering educators with innovative strategies and insights. Her dedication to enhancing instructional methodologies led her to pursue a Master's degree in Instructional Design, further sharpening her ability to create effective learning experiences.