Butterflies in the stomach on test day are perfectly normal, especially considering what’s at stake for many students taking state-mandated standardized tests. Jake Tiner, from Austin ISD in Texas, gives his advice on helping students cope with those pre-test butterflies.

I tell my students that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before doing something that is important to them. With TAKS tests coming up very soon that will determine whether some students pass high school or move on to the next grade, there is cause for many to be nervous.

Because of this, I always spend a little time the day before testing discussing ways students can calm themselves down as the tests are being passed out. These are some of the tips I give them:

Start strong – I explain to my students that they will be most nervous at the beginning so if they can focus their energies on being strong at the start they can get a good start. Feeling strong at the beginning goes a long way in controlling those butterflies and feelings of nervousness.

Be clear – I suggest that the kids clear their minds of anything that is buzzing around inside of them. To do this, I tell them they should put their heads down on the desk, close their eyes, and breathe slowly and deeply to the count of ten. This calms down both the brain and those butterflies in the stomach as well.

Think positively – I tell my students to picture themselves passing the test and to believe that it is possible and that it will happen. I tell them that, the moment when the test makes its way to their desk, they should not allow anything but positive thoughts to enter their mind.

Be present – Part of what causes students so much stress is looking into the future. I try to explain to them that if they can be fully present while they are taking the exam it will help them in countless ways. One way is that it increases their level of concentration and keeps them from daydreaming. Another way it helps is that it keeps them from thinking of their past failures and the consequences of future failures. Instead, by simply being right there, right now, they are in a place of more control. This place gives them more control over both themselves and the material over which they are being tested.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Practicing material that mirrors the real test as closely as possible is another way to help reduce those test-day butterflies. Incredible Tutor™ is a great way to provide students with such practice material.]

Helping young people reach their full potential is what motivated Brit Gordon to enter the field of education. He enjoys the relationships he has developed over the years with both teachers and students.

Brit finds the amount of energy young people possess one of their more promising qualities. He warns against apathy, which he sometimes sees in students who try to avoid the hard work needed to do well in school. But, Brit believes that with love and support, all students can succeed.

When asked about standardized testing and the stress involved, Brit responded that he just does the best he can and expects the same from Holland High School’s teachers and students. He feels a bigger challenge for teachers is the feeling of having the “responsibility of raising an entire generation of young people by themselves or with very little help.”

When he is not at school, Brit enjoys spending time with his wife and children. They love the outdoors and can often be found camping, hiking, and hunting. The church is also a significant part of Brit’s life, and he enjoys participating in activities with his church family.

Sleek Corporation is pleased to feature Brit Gordon in this issue of eNews. We applaud and appreciate his commitment to the teachers and students of Holland High School and the contribution he makes to our world.

We’re very excited to announce that we now have Incredible Tutor™ for 8th Grade Science!

Consisting of 53 lessons and nearly 600 questions, Incredible Tutor™ for 8th Grade Science is your test-prep ticket to success.

Teresa Gonzales, from San Antonio ISD, submitted this spicy springtime recipe.

Ingredients:
1 lb. baby, red potatoes, cubed
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 can of Rotel tomatoes with green chiles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1/4 cup of diced green onions
1/3 bunch of cilantro, chopped

Directions:
Boil potatoes until they are cooked, but still slightly firm (you don’t want mashed potatoes!). In a bowl, combine Rotel, lime juice, oil, garlic salt, and pepper and microwave for about a minute until heated through. Add contents of the bowl to the cooked potatoes. Gently stir in olives, green onions, and cilantro; toss to coat.