In the United States, many of us have now lived through a decade of high-stakes testing. This testing costs an average of $1.7 billion annually per state, and students take about 18 major tests each year. The pressure on students, teachers, and schools is intense. Research shows that about 40 percent of students experience test anxiety. Studies also indicate that testing interferes with the student-teacher relationship, which is the basis of all learning. With this emphasis on testing, the curriculum has narrowed, leaving less time for creativity and recreation. In addition, teachers and administrators often feel that there is no time for social-emotional learning through programs like Conscious Discipline. In reality, Conscious Discipline creates a calm, connected environment that optimizes critical-thinking and learning. It also gives students (and adults) skills that help them manage the pressure of high-stakes testing. In this episode, Cynthia Robinson-Rivers, Head of School at Van Ness Elementary in Washington D.C., shares how Conscious Discipline has helped her staff and students handle the pressure of testing. Cynthia is an award-winning administrator who has been recognized for her social-emotional learning practices and highly effective leadership. Listen as Cynthia gives practical tips for balancing academics, testing, and social-emotional learning.