Stress Less for the Test
Resilient Youth PathwaysWhat You’ll Learn
Participants will gain practical tools to:
- Activate the Relaxation Response through body scans, visualization, and mindfulness practices.
- Manage stress before tests and turn nervous energy into focused performance.
- Use quick, practical techniques during tests to stay calm and focused.
- Develop healthy habits through SMART goal-setting, restorative study breaks, sleep strategies, and growth mindset development.
- Apply these practical techniques to tests, presentations, college entrance exams, and other high-pressure situations.
The skills taught in Stress Less for the Test are designed to be reinforced both at school and at home. Students learn practical techniques they can use whenever they face academic pressure, while parents and educators learn how to reinforce those same skills, creating a consistent foundation for confidence, resilience, and focus both at school and at home.
Why It Works
Stress Less for the Test was developed from the Resilient Youth Initiative, a research-based program that has helped thousands of young people build confidence, strengthen resilience, and better manage life’s challenges. Building on that proven foundation, Stress Less for the Test adapts those same practical skills to help students manage academic stress and perform with greater confidence when it matters most.
The course is built on decades of research in resilience, stress management, and mind-body medicine. Rather than teaching students how to simply cope with test anxiety, Stress Less for the Test helps them develop practical, lifelong skills they can continue using throughout school and in the many high-pressure situations they will encounter throughout life.
The Resilient Youth Initiative was developed through decades of research by leading experts in resilience, stress management, and mind-body medicine, including Harvard Medical School, the Child Resiliency Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine.
Who It’s For?
Students: Develop practical techniques to manage stress, build confidence, and perform at your best during tests, presentations, and other high-pressure situations.
Parents & Families: Learn the same practical strategies your student is developing so you can encourage healthy habits, reinforce positive routines, and support their success both at school and at home.
Educators: Help students navigate academic pressure by reinforcing research-based strategies that build confidence, improve focus, and strengthen resilience throughout the learning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register for Stress Less for the Test?
Stress Less for the Test is available to Will County students in grades 6–12, their parents and families, and educators. Educators working in Will County schools may also participate.
How long does the course take to complete?
The course includes approximately two hours of self-paced online learning. Participants can complete the lessons whenever it fits their schedule.
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
No. Because the course is self-paced, participants can complete it over multiple sessions and return to the material whenever it’s convenient.
Is this course only for students preparing for the ACT or SAT?
No. Stress Less for the Test is designed to help students manage stress during classroom quizzes, final exams, presentations, ACT, SAT, and other high-pressure academic situations
Will this course help with more than just tests?
Yes. The practical techniques taught in the course can also be used during presentations, college entrance exams, extracurricular activities, job interviews, and other high-pressure situations throughout life.
Can educators receive Illinois Professional Development credit?
Yes. Eligible Illinois educators may receive 2 hours of Professional Development credit for successfully completing the course.
When will I receive access to the course?
Course access information is emailed after registration, allowing participants to begin the course as soon as they’re ready.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. Thanks to the generous support of our funding partners, Stress Less for the Test is offered at no cost to eligible Will County students, their families, and educators.
How the Course Works
After registering, participants receive access to the Stress Less for the Test online course and can begin learning at their own pace. The course is designed to fit into busy schedules, allowing participants to complete lessons whenever it’s most convenient.
Participants can expect:
- Approximately 2 hours of self-paced online learning.
- Short, easy-to-follow lessons designed to fit busy schedules.
- Practical techniques that can be applied immediately in school and other high-pressure situations.
- Designed to support students preparing for classroom quizzes, final exams, presentations, ACT, SAT, and other high-pressure academic situations.
- 2 hours of Illinois Professional Development credit for eligible educators who complete the course.
Next Steps
Want to learn more before getting started?
Download the Stress Less for the Test Flyer
A printable overview of the Stress Less for the Test course, including what participants will learn, course details, and registration information.
Ready to Get Started?
Register for Stress Less for the Test and begin developing the practical tools to manage stress, build confidence, and prepare for success in school and throughout life.
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