Have a question?

You can email your STAAR question to STAAR@houstonisd.org, and we will make every effort to answer it on our interactive STAAR Q&A web site. You can also visit the site to see previously answered questions from other HISD parents, students, and community members.

Tips For Combating Test Anxiety

Students may experience test anxiety when they worry too much about how they will do on a test. Often, text anxiety makes it difficult for a student to do well on a test. Following are some tips from HISD’s Psychological Services department on helping students cope with test anxiety. If after practicing these steps a student still experiences anxiety, please seek help from a school counselor or teacher. Click here to learn how to combat test anxiety.

STAAR Testing Begins - View Schedule

Click here for testing dates

In elementary and middle school, STAAR will assess the same subjects at the same grade levels that have been covered by the TAKS.

More information

STAAR Q&A Blog: Resource and discussion on STAAR presented by HISD

STAAR Resources from the Texas Education Agency

Twitter: Follow us at @HISDSTAAR

Facebook: Like us on Facebook

But STAAR is different from TAKS in the following ways:
  • Students will have four hours to complete the test.
  • Questions are more complex, with a greater emphasis on critical thinking.
  • Two to three essays are required in writing portion, depending on grade level.
  • There are a greater number of open-ended (not multiple choice) questions on mathematics and science.

Tests Crucial for Elementary, Middle School Students

All tests will be scored and reported, and a raw score will be returned. Students may be required to attend summer school or take remedial classes based on their performance. A student's performance on the STAAR test may determine placement in pre-AP classes for middle school, so it's important for students to do their best on this exam.

Middle school students enrolled in a high school-level course, such as Algebra I at the eighth grade, will be required to take the STAAR end-of-course (EOC) assessment for that course.

Tell Us

HISD has been providing regular updates on STAAR through community forums, television shows, informational handouts, a STAAR website and blog, and social media. Are you getting all the STAAR information you need? Take our STAAR survey

 

 

 

 

 

What causes test anxiety?

  • Expectations that you will not do well on the test
  • Worry about past tests, how others are doing on the test, what will happen if you fail, not being prepared.

    • How does your body feel?

  • Butterflies/Pain in Stomach
  • Headache
  • Tense muscles
  • Nausea
  • Feeling like you might pass out
  • Sweating
  • Shaking

    • So what do you do? Be prepared

  • Study early and often
  • Make sure you are using good study habits
  • Write down formulas you'll need first so that you won’t have to worry about forgetting them
  • Learn and use memory cues

    • Be comfortable

  • Wear comfortable clothes
  • Dress in layers so that you won't be too hot or cold
  • If possible, get up and stretch
  • Change positions in your seat

    • Encourage yourself

  • Have a positive attitude when studying and taking the test
  • Use positive reinforcement on yourself: "I can do this!"

    • Relax

  • Don't panic
  • Avoid talking to other students who are nervous or saying negative things
  • Visualize a peaceful setting
  • Take deep breaths
  • Relax muscles
  • Take your time
  • Skip questions you don't know and come back to them
  • Don't worry about how fast other people are going
  • Use your time wisely

    • Take care of yourself

  • Eat a healthy breakfast
  • Avoid caffeine and other foods that increase anxiety
  • Get enough sleep
  • Get regular exercise for a few days before taking the test

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