While it is important to expose students to test formatted items so that they are prepared for the state assessments, this does NOT have to be a boring and stressful process. In fact, studying for the STAAR Writing test can be quite fun and engaging for both students and teachers! In this session, participants will learn last-minute strategies to improve students’ conditioning and stamina for STAAR Writing and Revising and Editing, and how to organize those activities into a rewarding 2 or 3 week boot camp which will offer a welcomed break from the old “drill-n-kill” methods used by some which only add to teachers’ and students’ anxiety and frustration levels.