The test . Students dread this phrase, whether it refers to chapter tests, finals, standardized achievement tests, Advanced Placement exams, the ACT and SAT, or other testing experiences. In De-Stress the Test , author Martha Kaufeldt details actionable steps you can take throughout the school year to alleviate student anxiety and create brain-friendly classrooms full of focus and learning. Leverage brain-based learning to boost student self-efficacy and relieve the pressure and stress that accompany high-stakes testing: Understand the negative effects tests can have on students, teachers, and parents. Help students develop social-emotional learning skills and a growth mindset. Use formative assessments to accelerate learning and build students' confidence. Implement mindfulness strategies in the classroom to mitigate student stress and anxiety. Learn long- and short-term practical methods for ensuring students' mental, emotional, and physical readiness for tests. Contents: Acknowledgments Table of Contents About the Author Introduction Part 1: The Culprits--High-Stakes Tests and Stress Chapter 1: High-Stakes Tests--Anxiety, Pressure, and Stress for Students, Teachers, and Parents Chapter 2: The Biology of Stress Part 2: Stress Prevention and Management Strategies Chapter 3: Less Stress--Creating Body- and Brain-Friendly Classrooms and Testing Environments Chapter 4: Student Agency, Self-Efficacy, and Mindsets--Developing Confidence and Perseverance Chapter 5: Mindful Moments--Classroom Practices to Reduce Stress and Increase Attention and Focus Part 3: Preparing Students for High-Stakes Tests Chapter 6: Feedback to Feed Forward--Formative Assessments, Feedback, and Failures Chapter 7: Academic Vocabulary--Learning the Language of Tests Chapter 8: Test Prep--Navigating 21st Century Exams Epilogue References and Resources Index