Test Anxiety and What You Can Do about It : A Practical Guide for Teachers, Parents, and Kids

by Casbarro, Joseph, Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9781887943635
• ISBN10: 1887943633
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-01
• Publisher: Natl Professional Resources Inc

Table of Contents

Forward	IX
Introduction	XIII
Chapter 1 "Daddy, Daddy, I Can't Sleep"	1	(18)
This chapter identifies factors that contribute to the rise in high stakes testing in our schools, and reviews several key concepts that are essential to better understand its impact on test anxiety.
Valuing High Stakes Tests	3	(4)
The Explosion of Testing	7	(3)
Teaching to the Test	10	(4)
No Child Left Behind- Test Them All	14	(5)
Chapter 2 Test Anxiety: A Man-Made Emotion	19	(12)
Exploring the origins of test anxiety, as well as the domains that influence it, this chapter provides a better understanding of "optimal" levels of anxiety.
What is Anxiety?	20	(3)
The Origins of Test Anxiety	23	(6)
An Optimal Level of Anxiety	29	(2)
Chapter 3 Parents, and Teachers and Kids...Oh, My!	31	(30)
Parents, teachers and kids are the stakeholder groups that have the most influence and impact on test anxiety. This chapter provides valuable information about how each group contributes to raising test anxiety.
Parents (as Stakeholders)	31	(15)
And Teachers (as Stakeholders)	46	(6)
And Kids (as Stakeholders)...Oh, My!	52	(9)
Chapter 4 Controlling Test Anxiety: A Framework for Understanding	61	(32)
This chapter provides a framework to address test anxiety in three phases. It also examines valuable theories that can help explain ways to reduce test anxiety in each phase. A model describing the symptoms associated with test anxiety is also presented.
Pre-Testing Phase	62	(7)
Test-in-Progress Phase	69	(13)
Post-Testing Phase	82	(9)
Summary	91	(2)
Chapter 5 Pre-Testing Strategies	93	(36)
A series of specific strategies and techniques are provided in this chapter that can be taught and implemented in the pre-testing phase.
Sending Positive Messages	93	(8)
Effective Study Skills	101	(16)
Developing Good Study Habits	117	(5)
Taking Practice Tests	122	(3)
Tutoring	125	(4)
Chapter 6 Test-in-Progress Strategies	129	(46)
In this chapter, a series of specific strategies and techniques are provided that can be taught in the pre-testing phase, but implemented in the test-in-progress phase.
Test-Taking Strategies	130	(11)
Testing Modifications	141	(3)
Techniques to Reduce Anxiety Symptoms	144	(1)
Techniques to Reduce Physical Symptoms	144	(8)
Techniques to Reduce Emotional Symptoms	152	(17)
Techniques to Reduce Mental/Cognitive Symptoms	169	(6)
Chapter 7 Post-Testing Strategies	175	(6)
After the completion of an exam, test anxiety does not automatically disappear. This chapter addresses the lingering negative effects by providing helpful strategies in the post-testing phase.
Goal Setting	176	(2)
Comparing Group Testing Results	178	(3)
Chapter 8 Developing Comprehensive Plans	181	(14)
This chapter provides helpful ideas on raising awareness and developing plans to address test anxiety in a purposeful and meaningful way.
Staff Training in Schools	182	(4)
Parent Training	186	(2)
Student Training	188	(1)
Schoolwide Planning	189	(3)
Where Do We Go From Here?	192	(3)
Appendix A Medications Commonly Used to Treat Childhood Anxiety Disorders	195	(4)
Appendix B Anxiety and Nutrition	199	(2)
Appendix C College Web Sites on Test Anxiety	201	(2)
Glossary	203	(6)
Bibliography	209