Test anxiety in and of itself is not considered a learning disability under the ADA, and there are some differences in opinion regarding whether it should be. As stated earlier, unless the disability substantially limits a major life activity, it does not entitle the individual to special accommodations.

How to finish exams on time

1. Practice makes perfect. Practicing exam technique is the most important thing you can do to learn how to finish exams faster.
2. Improve your writing.
3. Make a plan.
4. Keep your head down and focus.
5. Start with the low-hanging fruit.
6. Ask for more paper before you need it.
7. Never give up.

Break the question into smaller parts. Sometimes long questions are hard to keep up with. Read slowly, sentence by sentence, and make sure you understand each part rather than focusing on the question as a whole. It may help to cover part of the stem or some of the options with your hand so you can focus better.

TEST ANXIETY? HERE’S HOW TO HANDLE A TIMED TEST

1. Tip 1: Eat Well and Sleep Well. Leading up to an exam, it is important to eat well and sleep well.
2. Tip 2: Positivity is key.
3. Tip 3: Write Down Memorized Information.
4. Tip 4: Answer Simple Questions First.
5. Tip 5: Relax your body and mind.

But research shows that timed tests actually cause the brain so much stress, it effectively blocks the working memory part of the brain- the very part needed to do math calculations. For the most capable students, the research confirms, stress impedes the functioning of their working memory and reduces achievement.

To be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, test anxiety must pass two legal tests. First, it must be a “mental impairment.” As a form of Social Phobia, a mental disorder included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it meets this first test.

Your students’ OCD or anxiety symptoms may qualify as a disability if they are severe enough that they impact his/her ability to learn. In these cases, the student who is in public school is eligible for a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Here are some strategies that may help reduce your test anxiety:

1. Learn how to study efficiently.
2. Study early and in similar places.
3. Establish a consistent pretest routine.
4. Talk to your teacher.
5. Learn relaxation techniques.
6. Don’t forget to eat and drink.
7. Get some exercise.
8. Get plenty of sleep.

You Experience Repetitive Thoughts But, when you’re overthinking, you might find yourself replaying a conversation in your head repeatedly or imagining something bad happening many times. As your mental health declines, you are more likely you are to ruminate on your thoughts.

I constantly relive my mistakes. When someone says or acts in a way I don’t like, I keep replaying it in my mind. Sometimes I’m not aware of what’s going on around me because I’m dwelling on things that happened in the past or worrying about things that might happen in the future.