Counselor's Corner

March 2006
Counselor’s Clipboard

March is here, and along with it the much anticipated MSA, or Maryland School Assessment. Whether you are approaching the test with dread, excitement or ambivalence, it is still most likely marked on your calendar as an important day for our teachers, students, and school community.

Most teachers have presented the test to students as an opportunity to shine, and let everyone know the skills the children have mastered over time. A small amount of jitters and anticipation is normal and to be expected. But too much stress can be harmful, and even negatively impact your child’s performance. Here are some things that will help the situation when it comes to the MSA, or any assessment your child may be facing in the coming weeks. You can find this, and more information at www.uft.org/parent/test_anxiety

• Reassure your child that being mildly anxious is normal.
• Listen to what your child has to say about the test, and his or her feelings about it.
• Remind your child that it is ‘just a test’, and that by working hard in school, they have prepared themselves to be successful.
• Share with your child an experience that made you anxious or nervous, and talk with him/her about how you handled that stress in a healthy way.
• If you are concerned about your child’s anxiety level, be sure to talk with your child’s homeroom teacher, or myself, about your concerns.
• And most of all, don’t underestimate the helpfulness of the tips you have heard repeatedly; a good breakfast, plenty of sleep, and a positive attitude really do make a world of difference!

  Good Luck!