EP 153 Supporting You & Your Students During Testing Season

Before we dive in, I want to share some incredible resources designed to support you in your ESL classroom. You can find engaging lesson plans and activities at myadventuresinesl.com/store to help you navigate testing season with confidence.

Thank You for the Work You Do

To all the incredible ESL teachers—thank you for the life-changing work you do every day. You are more than educators; you are mentors, guides, and champions for students navigating a new language and culture. Your patience, creativity, and dedication create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. You are giving your students the tools they need to find their voice, connect with others, and pursue their dreams.

Your work is not easy, but it is meaningful. Every word learned, every question answered, and every moment of encouragement leaves a lasting impact on your students’ lives. The confidence and skills you help them develop will empower them for years to come.

How to Support Your Students During Testing Season

Testing season can be overwhelming for both ESL teachers and students. In addition to federal and state assessments, ESL students often have additional language proficiency exams. For many teachers, this means administering three to four required assessments within two months—it’s a lot!

But with the right strategies, you can help your students feel prepared and confident while ensuring you stay effective and energized.

1. Familiarize Students with the Test Format

Understanding what to expect can ease anxiety. Take time to review the types of questions students will encounter—whether it’s multiple-choice, short answers, or extended responses. Use sample questions or practice tests to help them get comfortable with the format.

While there is often debate around “teaching to the test,” I encourage you to integrate test preparation into daily lessons rather than making it feel like extra work. This way, students become familiar with the structure naturally.

2. Build Strong Test-Taking Strategies

Beyond knowing the content, students need strategies to navigate the test efficiently. Teach skills like:
✔️ Skimming for key details
✔️ Eliminating incorrect answers
✔️ Managing time effectively

For ESL students, understanding academic vocabulary is crucial. Words like analyze, evaluate, or summarize can be tricky. Take time to explicitly teach these terms and model their use in context.

3. The Power of Encouragement

Testing can be intimidating, especially for English learners. Remind your students that it’s okay not to know every answer—what matters is that they try their best and use the strategies they’ve learned.

I like to incorporate affirmations and encouragement throughout the testing process to keep morale high. Celebrate small wins, acknowledge their hard work, and emphasize progress over perfection. A simple “You are doing amazing!” can make all the difference in boosting their confidence.

4. Celebrate Growth, Not Just Scores

When reviewing data, focus on growth rather than just final scores. Recognizing their improvement over time helps students feel accomplished and motivated.

Consider using classroom celebrations for effort and perseverance—whether it’s a small reward, a classroom shout-out, or a fun reflection activity. Acknowledging progress makes the journey feel worthwhile.

5. Prioritize Self-Care for You and Your Students

Testing season is stressful, so creating a calm and supportive environment is key. Some simple ways to ease the pressure include:
✔️ Allowing short breaks
✔️ Providing snacks, if possible
✔️ Using positive reinforcement
✔️ Encouraging mindfulness techniques like deep breathing

And don’t forget about yourself! Take time to rest, reset, and recharge so you can continue showing up as your best self for your students.

You Are Making a Difference

The work you do is incredibly valuable. The skills and confidence you are helping your students build will benefit them far beyond the classroom.

If you’re looking for additional support, I’ve put together a detailed two-week lesson plan filled with strategies and activities to help you during testing season. You can grab it here: myadventuresinesl.com/store.

Thank you for your dedication, passion, and perseverance. You are changing lives—one student at a time! 💛