Overcoming Test Anxiety

Do you get nervous when taking an exam? A little anxiety is normal and can even be helpful. But if your mind is racing and you cannot think straight, you will not be able to perform at your best.

Maybe you have already failed your exam and are discouraged and nervous. Or maybe you are scared to take it because you have heard how hard it is.

There are some strategies to help you minimize your test anxiety and maximize your chances of passing. Putting in hard work is important.

Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety and Pass Your Exam


*Prepare well. Buy a great study guide, read it carefully, and take notes and make flash cards. When you start to get nervous, remind yourself of how well you prepared and replace NEGATIVE THOUGHTS WITH POSITIVE, REALISTIC THOUGHTS. You might have self-doubts and think "I'm never going to pass!" Replace that thought with this - "I have studies hard. I don't have to get a perfect score, but I have worked hard and can score at least a 240 to pass."

*Slow down your breathing. Practice "square breathing" before your test and use it on your way to your exam and during your test. To use square breathing, breathe in slowly for 3 seconds. Then hold your inhale for 3 seconds. Next, exhale for 3 seconds. Hold the exhale for 3 seconds. Repeat this a time or two until you feel calmer.

*If you are spiritual, pray, and ask your family and friends to pray for you. Pray for peace of mind.

*Do yoga or meditation before your exam to help calm your mind.

*Stay positive and use a mantra or verse to help you, for example "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

*Consider scheduling a phone tutoring session. I have passed the Core Subjects EC-6 and am happy to work with you! Email me at schonefeldcourtney@gmail.com

Sample Test Questions

Are you studying for the Core Subjects EC-6 exam? We post free sample questions on our Facebook page Texas Teacher Today. Also, a great way to prepare is to take released STAAR tests and when you miss questions, look up more information about those topics and concepts. Take STAAR tests for grades 3 thru 8. https://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/STAAR_Released_Test_Questions/

What Happens If I Don't Pass the Core Subjects EC-6 Exam?

The Core Subjects EC-6 exam is challenging! According to the State Board for Educator Certification website, the initial pass rate for the Core Subjects EC-6 exam is only 54.5%.

If you have taken it and not passed, you are in good company!

Important Information About Re-Taking the Core Subjects EC-6:

*You must wait 45 days to re-take the exam
*You only have 5 attempts to pass the test
*If you failed two or more sections (Math, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts and Reading and the Science of Teaching Reading, and Fine Arts), then you should re-take the ENTIRE exam. You may skip the questions in the sections you already passed. If you take an individual subject exam, like Math, it counts as one of your attempts. That is why you should re-take the entire exam if you failed two or more sections. Otherwise, if you take Math and Science after failing the entire exam, you will have used three attempts. However, if you re-take the entire exam, that is only two attempts.
*Buy a good study guide and read the entire sections you need to pass. Make notes and flash cards, and use meta-cognitive strategies to check your understanding.
*Take released STAAR tests and when you miss questions, look up more information about those topics and concepts.
*Take sample tests that are for sale at www.coresubjects.net When you miss questions, look up information about those concepts in your study guide. We also offer a comprehensive study guide at the same site.

Getting a Job with Core Subjects EC-6

Are you studying for the Core Subjects EC-6 and want to get a job teaching elementary school? You might think you have to wait until the next school year to be hired. However, many districts hire in December and January. Houston ISD alone has over 100 teaching positions posted! Now is a great time to study and pass your test so you will be eligible for jobs.

One thing you should know is that a lot of people want to teach elementary school. As a result, it is important to make yourself as marketable as possible. Here are some ways you can maximize your chance of being hired:

*Substitute teach and build relationships at the schools. Get to know the teachers, administrators, and administrative assistants. Be sure to let them know you are studying for your exam and hope to be hired in that district as a teacher.

*After you pass the Core Subjects EC-6 exam, consider taking the ESL and/or Special Education exam to be eligible for more jobs, and to be more appealing as a candidate for "regular" elementary school jobs.

*Volunteer with children so you have that experience to list on your resume.

*Create a professional resume and educational philosophy.

*Once you pass your exam, apply everywhere. Hand deliver your resume to schools (unless they have a policy against it).