Three cheers for ISATs (Illinois Standards Achievement Test) wrapping up and spring break on the horizon! 

Getting the test off your back and out of test tunnel vision is a huge relief for teachers and students all over the state and around the country.

In the post-testing elation, it can be easy to move on to other stress-inducing thoughts without assessing this year's test prep. Let's help ourselves and help each other by sharing quick evaluates of the successful and not-so-successful approaches to test prep.

You've certainly got your curriculum covered, so let's consider some of the non-lesson-focused ways to make testing successful.

Knocking Out Test Jitters

With so much riding on standardized test results these days, it can be an overwhelming time for teachers and students. The key to relieving as much pressure as possible is preparedness and comfort.

Try making test prep fun by using test format with topics and reading materials that kids like. Scholastic has some good tips for doing on including different kinds of questions in everyday activities in the article No Pain, No Gain: Standardized Test Preparation.

Also, don't forget to SELL it too. If you're complaining or apologizing for doing more test prep, so will your students. With a positive attitude and familiarity with the test problems, that'll relieve a lot of students' test-taking anxiety.

Body/Mind Testing Mix

Integrating exercise into the classroom is one proven approach, according to a Texas study.

Physically fit students in Texas are more likely to do well on the state's standardized test and have better attendance (and fewer disciplinary problems)...."Increased exercise improves cardiovascular health and that helps the brain function more efficiently and enhances its ability to learn," said aerobics pioneer Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Institute. Full EdWeek story

Post-Testing Creative Outlets 

According to blogger This Brazen Teacher, we should use the end of testing time to recover from testing intensity and get back to the fun of learning.  She comments:

"Ah to be an Art Instructor who misses out on the Standardized Testing...  I like to think that after mind numbing sessions filling in tiny black circles, students regain balance in my class... mixing paint and creating their own answers once again. :-) "

Now it's your turn! Please, please, please share your test prep tips in the comments section!

Test Prep Roundup
How did you prepare your students for testing?
What worked?
What didn't?
What do you want to try next year?