Pennsylvania implemented the PSSA in 1999 to measure students’ acquired knowledge and abilities in several areas: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, Mathematics, and Science. The test results are then compared with the academic standards that the state has mandated. In other words, the test aims to discover whether or not a student has attained the expected knowledge associated with each grade level.
Pennsylvania currently administers the exam in grades three to eight, and then again in the eleventh grade—though the subjects tested vary between grade levels. A student’s score in each subject tested is then ranked as Advanced, Proficient, Basic, or Below Basic
Pennsylvania’s Department of Education has released valuable resource materials on the PSSA website. The “scoring samplers” are one of these resources. Basically, a scoring sampler is a document that includes sample questions that are relevant to each grade level (and for each subject). The sampler explains the correct answer for each question, as well as why the other listed answers are incorrect. This information is valuable for a parent or teacher helping a child to prepare for the PSSA, as it can provide insight into where a student’s understanding of a concept requires clarification.
Scoring samplers may be especially helpful for the Writing portion of the PSSA, as it provides real student essays and points out their strengths and weaknesses. One method of utilizing the Writing sampler, then, might entail having your student read a provided sample essay and then score it. Then, compare the score he gave the essay to the one it received in the sampler, explaining any disparities. This will help the student learn to write specifically for the exam.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has also provided an “anchor” and and “anchor glossary” for each grade level and subject tested. Basically, the anchor is a document that lists all of the eligible material a student can be tested on within each subject. A third grade math assessment anchor, for example, includes indicates that a student should be able to “demonstrate an understanding of numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.” The anchor is then followed by example questions. The anchor glossary is a list of all of the vocabulary or terms that a student should be familiar with in each subject, according to grade level.
This is a great tool to use in reviewing or studying for an upcoming PSSA, as it specifically defines what a student is expected to know and consequently, what the student will be tested on. Spend some time reviewing these assessment anchors and then test your student with the example problems—identifying areas where he needs some help or extra practice.
One excellent way to prepare your student for the PSSA is to have them take a practice test that uses the same format and covers the same material as the actual exam. Not only will this help the student to feel calmer and more confident when she sits to take the real PSSA, she will have a better idea of what concepts or subjects she needs to work on.
Though not required, some school districts administer these practice exams anyway, and have made their materials available online—see the Resources section for one example.