Georgia eighth-graders facing next month's retest to advance to high school should start working out test-time jitters now to avoid being overly anxious, experts say.

It's common that tests fuel performance anxiety in some pupils, especially bright ones, said Sandra B. Sexson, the chief of child, adolescent and family psychiatry at the Medical College of Georgia.

"A little stress is not a bad thing. A little stress can keep a child on his toes," she said. "It's (a problem) when it comes to the point when a child is unable to manage it."

Children feel such pressure taking the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests that state testing guidelines include what to do if a child throws up during the exam, said Carol Rountree, Richmond County's director of guidance, testing and research.

The state even spells out the procedures for sealing "soiled" tests in a plastic bag and mailing them back to Atlanta to ensure the security of the test.

With preparation, students can avoid some of this anxiety, Dr. Sexson said. Parents should watch for signs beforehand, such as headaches, nausea, heart palpitations, perspiration and worry.

She said that to avoid anxiety, begin studying early, avoid cramming and develop good study habits. Students should also reassure themselves with positive thinking.

Dr. Sexson also suggested pupils develop healthful eating and sleeping habits and practice breathing exercises to ease stress.

This year has been particularly stressful for students and educators. Preliminary figures show 40 percent of the state's eighth-graders failed the math portion of the CRCT, putting them in danger of not being promoted to the ninth grade.

Summer school starts next week.