PSSA Overview

Be prepared

Get a good night sleepsleepEat breakfast Bring a calculatorBring a calculatorBring 2 Number 2 pencilspencils

?Where will I be?

Students will be grouped alphabetically Approximately 8 t d tstudents per room

English teachers illwill go over room

number assignmentsassignments

Day 1

Section 1MathematicsMathematics

65-80 MinutesSection 2

ReadingReading70-85 Minutes

Day 2

Section 1Mathematics

65-80 MinutesSection 2

Reading60-75 Minutes60 75 Minutes

Day 3

Section 1MathematicsMathematics

55-70 Minutes

S ti 2Section 2Readingg

65-80 Minutes

Times

Arrival 7:30 AMTest ends atTest ends at 10:20 AMExtended timeExtended time available for all studentsstudents Transportation

ill b id dwill be provided

Make-Up Dates

Your attendance is importantpIf you are absent make up day willmake up day will be Friday, March 1616

Rewards

Jr class lunch on Friday, March 16th16th

Back to School B bBarbequeSpecial Raffle

General Test TakingGeneral Test Taking Strategies

fBefore the Test

Get a good night’s sleep.E t b l dEat a balanced breakfast.Have everythingHave everything you need for the test ready.

PencilsCalculator

During the TestRead all directions carefullyRead all directions carefully.

U d li k d i th tiUnderline key words in the questions.

Use process of elimination to choose correct answer.

During the Test

On the PSSA, never leave a question blank, make an educated guess! , g

Check your answer sheet regularly toCheck your answer sheet regularly to make sure you’re answering the right questionquestion.

During the Test

Before you solve each problem, ask yourself: What is the question asking? y q gHow do I know? Be sure to answer the question that is being asked.q g

Check that your answers make senseCheck that your answers make sense.

During the Test

Keep answer sheet neat.Fill in bubbles completelyFill in bubbles completely No stray marks

Skip questions you don’t know andSkip questions you don t know and move on to those you can answer.Mark each question that you don’tMark each question that you don’t answer so you can return to it later.

C fFeeling Confident

Think positively. Negative thoughts will distract you from doing your bestbest.Stay focused. Think only aboutThink only about the question you are trying to a e y g oanswer.

C fFeeling Confident

Concentrate on your own progress. Don’t pay attention to what others in the room are doingthe room are doing or how quickly they may be workingmay be working.

Test Taking Strategies

Math SpecificMath Specific

Test Taking Strategies PSSA - Math

Know the Formula Sheet – be familiar with the formulaswith the formulas and the variables.

Test Taking Strategies SSPSSA - Math

The directions from the practice test are the same onare the same on the PSSA. Read them carefully.y

Code your problems. (Not sure, re-visit problem)problem)

Test Taking Strategies SSPSSA - Math

Know your calculator. See your math teacher about signing one out for the testout for the test.

Test Taking Strategies PSSA - Math

Use the test booklet as a workbook.

When finished the test, go back and check your work from the verycheck your work from the very beginning. (Use an alternative method when possible)when possible).

Test Taking Strategies SSPSSA - Math

Answer EVERY problem. Rule out choices when possible but guess as a last resortas a last resort.

R d th tiRead the questions AND the answers.

Test Taking Strategies PSSA - Math

Work backwards if you cannot solve the problem directly. (Guess & Check)Check where you are on your answer sheet regularly.Open endedCommon mistakesStay focused.Stay calmStay calm.

PSSA ReadinggAre you up to the challenge?

Test Dates

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday March 13, 14, and 15March 13, 14, and 15

Each day you will complete a reading and math sectionand math section.

OOrganization Day 1 ReadingDay 1- Reading

3 Passages 23 multiple choice questions2 open ended questions

Day 2- Reading2 passages2 passages 16 multiple choice questions2 open ended

Day 3 ReadingDay 3- Reading2 passages 17 multiple choice questions2 open ended

fTypes of Passages

FictionFictional Stories

Non-FictionInformational

PoemsStory elements Point of view

Autobiography/BiographyEditorial/ Essay Practical/How to/

Literary Term Advertisement Main ideaSupporting detailsSuppo t g deta sCause/ Effect

Prepare

Bring # 2 pencils.Bring a highlighter.g g g

You may highlight, underline, or make notes in the test booklet.

No dictionaries or thesaurus allowed. You will be provided with scratch ppaper. Review literary terms, know the ydefinitions!

Testing Day

Know what your purpose is.

Read the questions before you read the passage. p g

Make active reading marks to keepMake active reading marks to keep yourself focused on the story.

Testing Day

When choosing an answer, read all the choices first and then decide on the correct answer.

Go back to the passage and find your answer.

Completely fill in your bubbles.p y y

Testing Strategies

Remember you usually can eliminate two answers. Always guess if you don’t know the answerLook for BOLD or italicized words. Look for k d lik t b t t lik lkey words like –not, one, best, most likely, main, fact and opinion The answer to the question may appear inThe answer to the question may appear in another question on the test.

f QTypes of Questions

Right ThereThink and SearchThink and Search Author and MEM t k i f ti iMust know some information going into the test

O QOpen Ended Questions

Scored on the 3 point rubric Answer in DETAIL the questionsAnswer, in DETAIL, the questions being asked!MUST include examples found in theMUST include examples found in the passage to support your answer.Add l “ l lif ” tiAdd a personal or “real-life” connection where appropriate.

Extended Time

Once you complete a reading section you may not go back to work on it.y y gExtra time is available each day after testingtestingIf you are not finished, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITADVANTAGE OF ITDon’t let this happen to you….

To sum it up

Take your timeDon’t rush to be the first one done

Really think about the answersDon’t get distracted, no mp3 playersGo back and check your workDo your best

To sum it up

To do our personal best so we have more students meet proficiency on the PSSAthe PSSA.

Extra Help

If needed, summer and/or after school program in the senior year to increase skills.PSSA retest in OctoberPSSA retest in October

Must be accomplished in order to receive a diploma.to receive a diploma.

Don’t Forget: Rewards

Jr class lunch on Friday, March 16th16th

Back to School B bBarbequeSpecial Raffle