September Jitters: Understanding and Supporting Test Anxiety in K-12 Students

As the new school year begins, many students feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. For some children, however, the worry about tests and academic performance can go beyond “normal” jitters and develop into test anxiety—a common but often overlooked challenge for K–12 students.

What Is Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a quiz or exam. It can show up as:

• Physical symptoms: headaches, stomachaches, racing heartbeat, or trouble sleeping.

• Emotional signs: feelings of dread, fear of failure, or irritability.

• Behavioral changes: avoidance of studying, perfectionism, or procrastination.

• Performance difficulties: blanking out on information, trouble focusing, or performing below one’s actual ability.

  
  

  

While occasional stress is a normal part of learning, ongoing test anxiety can interfere with a child’s academic performance and overall well-being.

Strategies to Help Students Manage Test Anxiety

Parents and educators can support children by teaching coping tools and fostering a healthy mindset around learning:

1. Prepare with balance – Encourage consistent study habits rather than last-minute cramming. Short, regular study sessions are often more effective than long, stressful ones.

2. Practice relaxation techniques – Breathing exercises, mindfulness, and movement breaks can calm both body and mind before and during a test.

3. Promote positive self-talk – Help your child replace negative thoughts (“I’m going to fail”) with more supportive ones (“I can try my best”).

4. Build healthy routines – Adequate sleep, good nutrition, and physical activity all play a role in lowering stress levels.

5. Communicate with teachers – Sometimes small classroom supports—like extra time or a quiet testing environment—make a big difference.

When to Consider a Psychoeducational Evaluation

If your child’s test anxiety feels overwhelming, is not improving with support, or seems tied to broader learning or attention struggles, a psychoeducational evaluation may provide helpful answers. These assessments can:

• Identify underlying learning differences (such as ADHD, dyslexia, or processing difficulties).

• Highlight your child’s strengths and challenges in learning, memory, and problem-solving.

• Provide tailored recommendations for school accommodations and strategies that support both learning and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

Test anxiety is common—and manageable—with the right tools and supports. For some students, however, it may be a sign of deeper challenges that deserve a closer look. If you have concerns about your child’s learning, attention, or emotional well-being, a psychoeducational evaluation can give you the clarity and guidance you need to help them thrive.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re noticing test anxiety or other challenges in your child’s learning, we’re here to help. Our psychoeducational evaluations provide a clear understanding of your child’s strengths and needs, along with practical recommendations for school and home.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward supporting your child’s success.