The State Testing Stretch: Gifted Strategies for State Testing

State tests can feel like hurdles, but for our gifted learners, they're a different kind of race. These bright minds don't just run the track; they're ready to leap, but often find the hurdles are set too low. Let's dive into what makes state testing a unique challenge for gifted students and how we can set the right hurdles for them to scale.

1. When the Track is Too Flat: Engagement for the Gifted Mind

The Hurdle: Gifted students might see the standard track as a flat, straight line—unengaging and uninspiring. Their minds are geared for leaps and bounds, not a monotonous jog. When the test doesn't challenge them, their pace slows, not showing their true speed. When they can't see personal value or purpose for the test, they may also become disengaged.

Leaping Over: Let's make the track interesting. By weaving in enriching materials that spark their curiosity, we keep their minds in the race. Inspired by Renzulli and Reis, imagine a test prep that's more like a steeplechase—varied, challenging, and engaging. And with a mindset shift, we can help them see each question as a hurdle worth leaping, turning a mundane track into an obstacle course ripe for conquering.

Race Day Strategies:  Before the test begins, discuss connections between test material and one of the student's passions or future goals.  Suggest students practice short mental breaks to re-energize their minds and rejuvenate focus.

2. The High-Jump of Perfectionism: Managing Test Anxiety

The Hurdle: For our gifted learners, every test feels like a high jump. They set the bar sky-high, and the fear of not clearing it can be paralyzing.

Leaping Over: Let's teach them that it's okay to knock the bar down sometimes. With stress-busters like mindfulness and a focus on effort, not just clearing the bar, we can ease that leap. It's about soaring, whether they clear the bar or brush it on the way up.  Incorporate regular mindfulness exercises in the classroom routines leading up to testing.

Race Day Strategies: Remind students of relaxation techniques if anxiety rises. Encourage students to mentally list 5 things they excel in other than testing and list 5 positive words or adjectives that describe themselves.  Have students discuss and write these prior to the test so they're easy to recall.

3. A Diverse Race: Tailoring to Learning Styles

The Hurdle: Standardized tests are like a one-lane track; every student runs the same path. But our gifted students thrive in a multi-lane race, each lane tailored to how they run best.

Leaping Over: Let's diversify the track, or teach the learner how to diversify independently. For the visual learner, let's paint pictures with words; for the auditory learner, let's echo the questions in a rhythm that resonates. While we as teachers cannot do this during the test, we can demonstrate it prior to the test. Teach the test taking strategies that best support each student, allowing them to use those independently during the test. And when the standard track doesn't fit, we advocate for lanes that do—be it extra time or a quieter space to race.

Race Day Strategies: Teach students to diversify how they process the material, as much as they can.  Remind students to apply personalized strategies that work best for them, such as using graphic organizers to dissect or visualize information.

4. Beyond the Race: Identity and Worth

The Hurdle: For many gifted students, their worth is the race, their identity tied to the finish line or scores. WE know they're more than just scores;, but they often need reminding; they're multifaceted individuals with diverse talents.

Leaping Over: Let's remind them that this state testing "track" is just one facet of their journey. With activities that showcase their myriad strengths—from creativity to empathy—we can help them see the value in every leap, not just the ones over the finish line. 

Race Day Strategies: Remind students that their identity encompasses far more than test scores.  Lead students through brief reflective exercises, recalling the top achievements or positive attributes mentioned above. 

Supporting Resources for the Gifted Educators' Team

• NAGC: Your playbook for understanding the gifted mind, with strategies tailored to the needs of gifted learners.

• Hoagies' Gifted Education Page: A treasure trove of tips and tactics for keeping gifted minds engaged and anxiety at bay.

• Davidson Institute: Your advocate for the right testing conditions, ensuring every gifted learner has a lane that fits.

• Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted SENG: A reminder that the emotional journey is as important as the academic one, offering guidance for nurturing resilient, happy learners.

By understanding these unique hurdles and arming ourselves with the right strategies, we create a track where gifted learners don't just run; they leap, soar, and thrive. It's not just about getting them to the finish line; it's about redefining "the race" so our gifted students see testing season with the right perspective, and can understand how the testing can serve as a test run for future "races" and can benefit their future goals.

To join our gifted community, visit giftededsolutions.com