Standardized testing season can feel overwhelming for both children and parents—especially as students grow older and become more aware of performance expectations. From a child and family counseling perspective, these moments are not just academic milestones, but emotional experiences that shape a child’s confidence, stress response, and self-image.
By understanding what each test is designed to measure—and how to support children through the process—parents can help transform testing season into an opportunity for growth, resilience, and connection.
Understanding Standardized Testing
Standardized tests are structured assessments used to evaluate student learning, academic progress, and skill development across schools and districts. For older children, these tests often carry a perceived sense of importance that may not match reality.
What These Tests Are For:
- Measuring grade-level proficiency in core subjects
- Tracking academic growth over time
- Informing instruction at the school and district level
- Providing data (not judgment) about student learning
Older children, particularly in upper elementary and middle school, are more likely to:
- Compare themselves to peers
- Worry about “failing”
- Attach test performance to their identity
Talking Points for Parents:
- “This test helps teachers understand how to support students better—it’s not about labeling you.”
- “Everyone has strengths and areas they’re still learning. This just helps show both.”
- “One test doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of.”
Children benefit from hearing consistent messages that separate performance from self-worth. When parents reinforce this distinction, children are less likely to internalize anxiety or fear around testing. When children consistently hear messages like these, they begin to understand: “I am not my test score.”
That shift helps reduce anxiety, builds resilience, and encourages a healthier, more confident approach to challenges.
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success)
CMAS is Colorado’s statewide assessment program, typically given in the spring. It measures how well students are meeting state academic standards in English language arts, math, and science.
What CMAS Is For:
- Evaluating how well students understand state curriculum standards
- Helping schools assess overall performance and identify gaps
- Informing district-wide educational decisions
While CMAS results may be shared with families, they are not used to determine whether a student advances to the next grade.
Why It Can Feel Stressful:
- It’s a formal, state-level test
- Testing spans multiple days
- Students may feel pressure because it “sounds important”
How Parents Can Support:
- Keep messaging neutral and reassuring
- Maintain consistent daily routines
- Avoid adding extra academic pressure at home during testing weeks
Example Supportive Conversation:
“CMAS is just one way your school checks how students are learning. You don’t have to be perfect—just try your best.”
Additional Talking Points:
- “This test doesn’t affect your grades—it helps adults improve schools.”
- “You’ve been preparing all year just by going to class and learning.”
- “It’s okay if some questions feel hard—that’s normal.”
Easing Anxiety:
- Validate feelings: “A lot of kids feel nervous before big tests.”
- Teach pacing: Encourage children to take their time and not rush
- Practice calming strategies: Deep breathing, relaxing shoulders, positive self-talk
MAP Growth Assessments (Measures of Academic Progress)
MAP tests are taken multiple times throughout the year and are adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts based on the student’s answers.
What MAP Tests Are For:
- Measuring individual academic growth over time
- Identifying a student’s current skill level
- Helping teachers tailor instruction to each student
Unlike traditional tests, MAP is not about passing or failing—it’s about progress.
Why It Can Feel Confusing:
- Questions get harder or easier depending on answers
- Students may interpret increasing difficulty as failure
- There is no clear “end goal” or score they understand
How Parents Can Support:
- Explain how adaptive testing works before test day
- Reinforce that challenge is part of the design
- Focus on growth rather than performance
Example Supportive Conversation:
“If the questions get harder, that actually means you’re doing well.”
Additional Talking Points:
- “This test helps track how much you’ve grown—not how perfect you are.”
- “It’s okay to not know answers—that helps the test figure out your level.”
- “Your job is just to keep trying, not to get everything right.”
Easing Anxiety:
- Encourage curiosity: “Let’s see what kinds of questions you get this time.”
- Normalize struggle as part of learning
- Help children reframe difficulty as a positive signal
PSAT and Other College Readiness Assessments
Older students, especially in middle school and early high school, may begin taking pre-college assessments like the PSAT. These are often their first exposure to tests connected to future academic opportunities.
What These Tests Are For:
- Introducing students to college entrance exam formats
- Identifying academic strengths and areas for growth
- Preparing students for future tests like the SAT
Early PSAT scores are not used for college admissions—they are practice tools.
Why It Can Feel High-Stakes:
- Association with college readiness
- Peer comparisons and score discussions
- Increased awareness of future implications
How Parents Can Support:
- Keep the focus on learning, not outcomes
- Avoid over-scheduling prep or tutoring unless needed
- Encourage balance between academics and downtime
Example Supportive Conversation:
“This is just practice for the future—you’re learning how these tests work.”
Additional Talking Points:
- “No one expects you to be perfect on your first try.”
- “This helps you understand what to work on later.”
- “Your future isn’t decided by one test.”
Easing Anxiety:
- Break down the timeline (there will be more opportunities later)
- Share perspective: Many students improve over time
- Focus on effort and familiarity, not scores
General Strategies to Support Children During Testing Season
1. Create a Calm, Supportive Environment
Children are highly attuned to their parents’ emotional cues. When adults appear anxious or overly focused on outcomes, children often absorb that pressure.
Practical Ways to Help:
- Keep conversations low-pressure
- Avoid repeated reminders about the importance of testing
- Maintain normalcy at home
Talking Points:
- “This is just part of your school routine.”
- “We’re proud of you no matter what.”
2. Prioritize Sleep, Nutrition, and Routine
Physical well-being plays a major role in emotional regulation and cognitive performance.
Practical Ways to Help:
- Set consistent bedtimes (especially during testing weeks)
- Offer balanced meals with protein and healthy fats
- Prepare mornings in advance to reduce stress
Talking Points:
- “Getting good sleep helps your brain think clearly.”
- “Food is fuel for your brain.”
3. Teach and Practice Coping Skills
Children often need explicit instruction in how to manage stress.
Simple Techniques:
- Deep breathing (inhale 4 seconds, exhale 4 seconds)
- Grounding (ex: 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can smell, 2 you can hear, 1 you can taste)
- Positive self-talk
Talking Points:
- “If you feel stuck, pause and take a breath.”
- “You can handle hard things one step at a time.”
4. Avoid Overemphasizing Scores and Outcomes
When the focus shifts too heavily to results, children may develop performance anxiety or fear of failure.
Practical Ways to Help:
- Praise effort and persistence
- Avoid comparing siblings or peers
- Keep post-test conversations neutral
Talking Points:
- “I’m proud of how you showed up and tried.”
- “What mattered most is that you didn’t give up.”
5. Stay Connected Before and After Testing
Emotional support doesn’t stop when the test ends. Children often need help processing the experience.
Practical Ways to Help:
- Ask open-ended, non-judgmental questions
- Allow time to decompress after school
- Avoid immediate analysis of performance
Talking Points:
- “What felt easiest today?”
- “Was there anything that helped you stay calm?”
When to Seek Additional Support
While some level of stress is normal, ongoing or intense anxiety may signal a need for extra support.
Signs to Watch For:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent headaches or stomachaches
- Avoidance of school or testing situations
- Irritability or emotional outbursts
In these cases, working with a supportive counselor can help children build coping skills, process stress, and develop a healthier relationship with performance and expectations.
Standardized testing is not just an academic event—it’s a developmental experience. With the right support, children can learn how to manage stress, build confidence, and approach challenges with resilience.
Parents play a key role in shaping this experience. By staying grounded, offering reassurance, and focusing on effort over outcomes, they help their children move through testing season feeling capable, supported, and understood—not defined by a score, but strengthened by the process. If you or your family would like additional support, don’t hesitate to connect. KidStuff Counseling is here for ALL of life’s stuff!
