State Testing Motivation: Keeping Learning Alive When Everyone's Over It

A student engages in a test on their laptop, guided by a "Testing Season Survival Guide" to maintain motivation during assessment times.

State testing is here and it’s not just knocking on the door—it’s breaking it down like the Kool-Aid man yelling “DATAAAAAA!” How in the world do we maintain motivation during state testing?

My eighth graders have one test done, three more to go, and then a district benchmark on top of it all—because apparently, we just can’t resist over-assessing kids who are already visibly holding on by a thread. We've asked if we could skip the benchmark. The answer? A firm “no,” followed by the usual justification: We need the data. Insert eyeroll here.

So here we are. Caught between the desire to wrap up the year strong, the responsibility of honoring IEP goals, and the temptation to cram every last nugget of knowledge into our students’ brains like we’re stuffing a carry-on before a TSA checkpoint. Do we keep pushing forward with meaningful instruction? Or do we start flinging review questions like overcooked spaghetti, hoping something sticks?

The answer is… complicated.

The Great Cram Debate: IEPs vs. Last-Minute Review

Look, I get it. There’s pressure from everywhere. Admin wants results. Parents want results. You want results. But at what cost?

Now is not the time to abandon our students’ IEPs in the name of a few extra points. IEPs exist for a reason—and they don’t take a backseat just because it’s testing season.

Your students still need scaffolded support, preferential seating, extra breaks, and reteaching. They still need YOU to see them as more than just a score. So yes, review. Yes, reteach. But no, don’t ignore the individual needs just because the state demands data.

We wouldn't ask a fish to climb a tree, right? So why are we suddenly expecting our students with disabilities to “rise to the occasion” without the supports they’ve had all year?

Student Buy-In: Encouraging Effort Without the Bribes for State Testing Motivation

I’ve seen it. You’ve seen it. That student who clicks through their test like it’s a BuzzFeed quiz (these are still a thing... right?). The one who decorates their scrap papers with abstract art. It's frustrating. But forcing motivation is like trying to microwave a gourmet meal—it’s just not gonna taste right.

What we can do is:

• Set realistic, personalized goals (e.g., “Try your best on 10 questions without rushing”).

• Acknowledge effort, not just accuracy.

• Create class-wide challenges that reward persistence over perfection.

• Remind them why their voice matters—even in standardized form.
  

And honestly? Sometimes just telling kids the truth helps. “This isn’t the most important thing in the world. But I believe in you, and I want you to try.”

That hits different than “DO YOUR BEST OR ELSE.” Kids know when you’re being authentic. And they’re far more likely to meet you halfway when they feel seen.

Managing Test Anxiety Without the Toxic Positivity

Please don’t tell your students to “just relax.” That’s like telling someone drowning to “just swim.”

Instead, arm them with real tools:

• Breathing exercises before testing (box breathing works wonders).

• Movement breaks between sections.

• Giving them the script to self-advocate: “Can I take my break now?” or “Can you clarify the directions?”

• Create structure. If they know what to expect, the unknown doesn’t feel as scary.

And most importantly—make space for feelings. “I know this feels like a lot. Let’s just take it one step at a time.”

Addressing Testing Fatigue (Because We’re All Over It)

Let me paint the picture: The hallway is silent, the classroom smells like sharpened pencils and anxiety, and every student looks like they’ve just returned from battle. That’s testing fatigue—and it’s real.

When students are tired, cramming is less effective, not more. This is the time for:

• Low-stakes academic games

• Interactive review activities like scavenger hunts or gallery walks

• Quick wins that feel like success, not stress

And for the love of learning, don’t just default to movies unless you need the break too (and if you do, NO judgment. I’ve been there).

Learning Isn’t Over Just Because Testing Is

We’ve all felt that post-testing slump—like the academic year just sort of...fizzled out. But it doesn’t have to.

Here’s how we keep the learning alive:

• Let students choose a mini passion project or inquiry topic

• Do a “Teach the Teacher” week where THEY prep and present

• Start next year’s units early, but in fun, hands-on ways

This is also the perfect time to build life skills—collaboration, communication, time management. The pressure is off (kind of), so lean in.

We planted seeds all year. Testing is just a blip. Let’s keep watering the soil.

We’re Tired, But We’re Still Showing Up

Testing season isn’t going anywhere. The kids feel it. We feel it. And while it may not always be fair, what we can control is how we show up in these moments.

You don’t need to be the hype person with glitter and a test-taking rap (unless you want to be—go off!). You just need to be real. Be consistent. Be that steady presence who reminds kids they’re more than a test score.

Because even now—especially now—our students are watching. And they’ll remember how we made them feel more than what we prepped for Section B, Question 12.

Got a testing season survival tip or a “you won’t believe this testing moment” story? Drop it in the comments or find me on TikTok @tobyjames278. Misery loves company—but so does solidarity.