State exams have been a topic of debate for years. While some believe that state exams are beneficial for students and teachers, others argue that they can be detrimental to both parties. Thus, here are ways to effectively give and take the NYCDOE state exams.

One of the pros of state exams is that they can help identify areas where students need improvement and help teachers adjust their teaching methods accordingly¹. Additionally, state exams can provide a way to measure student progress and hold teachers accountable for their students’ performance³.

On the other hand, some argue that state exams can be stressful for both students and teachers⁶. Critics also argue that standardized testing can lead to teaching to the test rather than teaching critical thinking skills². Furthermore, some believe that standardized testing can be biased against certain groups of students³.

While state exams can provide valuable information about student progress and teacher effectiveness, they can also be stressful and biased. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision on whether or not to implement state exams.

Strategies that students can use during state exams:

1. Be prepared: There is no substitute for preparation. Make sure you have studied and reviewed all of the material that will be covered on the exam¹.
2. Arrive early: Always arrive early and take a moment to relax before the exam¹.
3. Listen attentively: Listen attentively to last-minute instructions given by the instructor¹.
4. Do a memory dump: Write down any formulas or key concepts that you have memorized before starting the exam¹.
5. Read directions carefully: Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details¹.
6. Plan your time: Plan how you will use the allotted time for each section of the exam¹.
7. Look for cues: Look for cues in the questions that can help you identify the correct answer¹.
8. Answer all questions: Answer all of the questions on the exam, even if you are unsure of the answer¹.

In addition to these strategies, students can also reduce stress during state exams by exercising, sleeping well, and eating well⁵. Teachers can also help students cope with test anxiety by encouraging them to practice simple deep breathing exercises, use positive self-talk and mantras, or do seated stretches to release tension once the test is underway³.

Ways that teachers can cope with the stress of state exams:

1. Practice self-care: Teachers should take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly¹.
2. Stay organized: Teachers should stay organized by keeping track of deadlines and important dates¹.
3. Seek support: Teachers should seek support from colleagues, friends, and family members¹.
4. Manage time effectively: Teachers should manage their time effectively by setting priorities and breaking down tasks into smaller steps¹.
5. Stay positive: Teachers should stay positive by focusing on their strengths and accomplishments¹.

In addition to these strategies, teachers can also help students cope with test anxiety by encouraging them to practice simple deep breathing exercises, use positive self-talk and mantras, or do seated stretches to release tension once the test is underway⁴.

Source

Study Skills: Effective Test Taking Strategies – Education Corner. https://www.educationcorner.com/test-taking-strategies.html.
Three State Testing Tips for Students and Parents – Connections Academy. https://www.connectionsacademy.com/support/resources/article/how-to-prepare-for-state-test-taking/.
How Teachers Can Help Students Cope with Test Anxiety. https://blog.edmentum.com/how-teachers-can-help-students-cope-test-anxiety.
How to Increase Student Motivation During State Testing – The Calm(ish …. https://thecalmishteacher.com/testing-motivation-for-students/.
11 talking points for teachers preparing students for the MAP test. https://www.nwea.org/blog/2017/11-talking-points-for-teachers-preparing-students-for-the-map-test/.
Encouraging Student Engagement During Testing Season | Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/student-engagement-testing-season.
The Purpose of Educational Testing – ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/the-purpose-of-tests-7688.
Pros & Cons of Standardized Tests – Oxford Learning. https://www.oxfordlearning.com/pros-cons-of-standardized-tests/.
What Is Standardized Testing? The Pros and Cons and More. https://www.weareteachers.com/standardized-testing/.
Examining the Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing – ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/examining-the-pros-and-cons-of-standardized-testing-3194596.
Standardized tests aren’t the problem, it’s how we use them – Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2021/03/30/standardized-tests-arent-the-problem-its-how-we-use-them/.
End-of-course exams benefit students—and states. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/end-course-exams-benefit-students-and-states.

Stress: How teachers can help their students cope. https://meteoreducation.com/stress-part-2/.
How Teachers Can Help Students Cope with Test Anxiety. https://blog.edmentum.com/how-teachers-can-help-students-cope-test-anxiety.
Helping kids cope with exam stress | Kids Helpline. https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/helping-kids-cope-exam-stress-0. Parents, are you feeling the pressure too? Here’s how to help your …. https://theconversation.com/parents-are-you-feeling-the-pressure-too-heres-how-to-help-your-child-cope-with-exam-stress-49587.
Overcoming Test Anxiety in High School | Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/helping-students-beat-test-anxiety.
How to teach … coping with exam stress | Teacher Network – The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/may/05/how-to-teach-exam-stress-lesson-ideas-resources.