PSSA Information

April 9, 2019

All public schools in Pennsylvania are mandated to participate in the state assessment system which is composed of assessments and the reporting associated with the results of those assessments.  The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) will be administered to all students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in both English Language Arts and Math. Additionally, students in grade eight will take the PSSA Science assessment.  Students who are enrolled in our 8110 math class will also take the Keystone Algebra Exam.

PSSA scores represent a snapshot in time of student performance and should not be considered the sole indicator of student achievement. Data obtained from each assessment serves as one of the tools used for planning school programs, designing curriculum and instruction and providing information to the public. Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments in designated content areas.  The Keystone Exams serve two purposes: (1) high school accountability assessments for federal and state purposes, and (2) a component of the statewide high school graduation requirement for students beginning with the class of 2022.

Your anticipated cooperation and support for these assessments is greatly appreciated.  Please schedule appointments outside the testing times if possible.  Students who are absent from school will make up missed sections.  Promoting a positive attitude, proper nutrition, and a solid night’s sleep prior to testing is very helpful.  Our assessment schedule will be:

English/Language Arts – 6th, 7th, and 8th grade

Testing Dates

English Language Arts

Testing time

Wednesday, April 24th

Section I

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

Thursday, April 25th

Section II

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

Friday, April 26th

Section III

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

 

Math - 6th, 7th, and 8th grade

Testing Dates

Math

Testing time

Monday, April 29th

Section I

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

Tuesday, April 30th

Section II

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

 

Science – 8th grade only

Testing Dates

Science

Testing time

Thursday, May 2nd

Section I

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

Friday, May 3rd

Section II

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

 

Algebra Keystone – Only students enrolled in the 8110 math class

Testing Dates

Science

Testing time

Wednesday, May 22nd

Section I

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

Thursday, May 23rd

Section II

8:05 AM to 10:05 AM

 

Please be aware that the math PSSA Testing is currently scheduled to begin on Monday, April 29, 2019. While some teachers in the school have classroom sets of calculators, most do not.  With all of the students testing at the same time, we cannot guarantee that all students will have access to a school calculator.  Calculators are not required, but can be helpful.  A simple 5-function calculator can be purchased very inexpensively. Calculators should be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, and should compute the square route. 

Please visit the PSSA/KEYSTONE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS link on the main page of our website.  The following documents are posted for you to view:  Information for Parents/Guardians, Code of Conduct for test Takers, Use of Cell Phones/Electronic Devices, and the Pennsylvania Calculator Policy.

We will review our schedule and some other important items about the PSSA with students on April 15th and 23rd during homeroom/advisory.  Students taking the Keystone Exam will review our schedule and other important items about the assessment in their math class prior to the testing dates.  We will also communicate to students that we are proud of the work they have done this school year and expect that they will do well on the assessments.

Thank you for your on-going support. If you have questions about the PSSA, Keystone Exam, or our school procedures regarding matters included in this letter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Horan
Principal

Additional Information:

PSSA Information for Parents or Guardians

Keystone Information for Parents or Guardians

Pennsylvania Calculator Policy

Code of Conduct

Use of Electronic Devices