Academic Success

American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Standards for academic development guide school counseling programs to implement strategies and activities to support and maximize each student’s ability to learn (American School Counselor Association, 2004).

Regents Prep

Elementary/Intermediate Tests and Regents Exams

The goal of the following site is to help students meet the New York State Regents requirements. http://nysedregents.org/

Homework Help

• Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/
• A+ Academics, Inc. - http://www.p12.nysed.gov/accountability/T1/ses/ApprovedProviders/AAcademicsInc.html
• Discovery Education - http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
• Study Geek - http://www.studygeek.org/
• Fact Monster - https://www.factmonster.com/

Test Anxiety

      So let’s say you have a test coming up. Are you nervous? Do you feel a little worried about how you will perform on your exam? A little tension or stress before and/or during a test is normal. Sometimes, that nervousness can work in your favor by motivating you. However, in larger amounts, tension can interfere or even impair our ability to think clearly, plan, and perform on tests. The following information will help you to cope and overcome test anxiety.

BEFORE THE TEST:

• BE PREPARED. Preparation is the key element in reducing test anxiety. The better prepared you are for your exam, the lower your level of anxiety. Being well prepared for a test can also increase your self confidence. So, study, study, study!!!
• NO CRAMMING. What is cramming? Imagine stuffing all of your textbooks into your backpack at one time. Would they all fit? Probably not. Now imagine that backpack is your brain. Just like your backpack your brain will handle a little information at a time a lot better than a lot of information at one time. Cramming is an ineffective way of studying. If you cram the night before, you might be able to pass some parts of your test, but you will not remember anything afterwards (and in most cases the information will be included in your final.) It is not a good idea to try to cram weeks of information into your head the night before the test. Usually, this is a time when you are feeling anxious, pressured and probably guilty for studying at the last minute.
• REVIEW ALL THE INFORMATION. Study from your book, notebook, and any other materials used class. Combine their information. Work on mastering the main idea, as well as specific ideas or concepts your teacher may have presented in your class.
• ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS. When studying, try to turn the headings into questions, and answer them using the different sources of information used in class such as your books, notes and/or study guides. Ask yourself what kind of questions your teacher may ask you and try to answer them too
• USE FLASH CARDS. Flash cards are excellent tools for studying. After you put together your questions and you formulate the answers, put the question on one side of an index card and the answer on the other side.

FACING THE TEST:

• HOW DO YOU FEEL? How are you? How is your anxiety level? If it is high or moderately high, take some time to relax. You may think that relaxing will take away from you test time, however relaxing increases your chances to do a more efficient job. This will save you time instead.
• COACH YOURSELF. Sometimes students get anxious after finding out that they do not know the answer to the first or second question. Follow your plan:
     Answer the questions you know.
     Answer the questions you are not really sure about, and finally
     Answer the questions you do not know
  This process will help you to keep moving. Stick to the plan!!
• REVIEW YOUR TEST. Before you begin answering the questions, review the entire test. Read the instructions carefully; twice if necessary. Stick to your plan, begin working on the easiest questions first.