Program

Education K-12 M.A.

Number of Pages

54

Year Approved

2021

First Advisor

Silmser, Lisa

Second Reader

Sarah Schmidt;

Abstract

Standardized testing has a negative impact on the mental well-being of teachers, families, and students. The anxiety around standardized testing impacts the teachers as they feel responsible for student performance, leading to a decline in mental health. Due to this anxiety, teachers are using tactics like fear appeals and conditional support to control student success. Families feel the threat of these consequences as low student performance impacts the social stigma of the school’s neighborhood. Families exert pressure on students by trying to control the student’s thoughts and environment, believing it will lead to academic success. When students perform under pressure, their standardized test scores may not be an accurate representation of their knowledge and their mental health has been damaged. Teachers, families, and students can try various strategies, like deep breathing and setting mastery goals, to improve the cycle of anxiety.

Degree Name

Education K-12 M.A.

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

Included in

Education Commons

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