- Rudy Forsberg, Mount Healthy parent

SPECIAL REPORT: TEST STRESS

• Schools grapple with test stress • Doctors know when it's test time • Did you know? • Some Views on Test-Taking and Stress • Educators take steps to reduce test stress • Parents can ease stress of tests

"I don't stress over tests much at all. I don't usually cram the night before the test. Mostly, I pay close attention in class, read over the notes I took that night and frequently throughout the week to familiarize myself with the material.

"Then, the night before the test, I quiz myself and find that I actually know the material for the most part."

- Aimee Glindmeyer, 14, freshman, Harrison High School

"I have a son who has a learning disability, and these tests (fourth-grade grade proficiency, fifth-grade Terra Nova and sixth-grade proficiency) really stress him out. The day before the fourth-grade proficiency, he actually vomited because he was so stressed out. This past spring, about a month before the sixth-grade proficiency, he started getting stressed about the test. ... This year, I simply pointed out to him that this is not a 'high-stakes' test and we just wanted him to do his best. This really helped, and he went into the tests relaxed and confident."

- Linda McWilliams, Sycamore parent

"I do get stressed, especially when I take proficiency tests because they are big and important tests. And the teachers expect me to do well on them. Every time I have to take these tests, I get stomach cramps. I chew on mints or gum while taking the tests if the teacher allows it."

- Jeremy Thaler, 13, eighth-grader, Ross Middle School

"I usually stress over math tests the most. I stress because I'm really poor in that department and, no matter how hard I try, I never do as well as I want. I usually can't sleep, and I'll stay up real late trying to study extra because I'm worried I'll forget the test material. (Before tests) I take deep breaths and say a little prayer."

Allison Simmons, 17, junior, Cincinnati Christian School