2014 PSSA Training Overview Preparing Students and Classrooms

2014 PSSA Training

Overview • • Preparing Students and Classrooms Administering the PSSA’s Allowable Accomodations Testing Schedule Proctoring Test Pick-Up and Drop-Off Final Notes/Reminders

Preparing Students and Classrooms • Inform students of importance, as well as scheduled sessions • Use #2 pencils ONLY • Remind students they can write in test booklets • Check along with students that test booklet and answer booklet numbers match

Preparing Students and Classrooms (cont. ) • Have scratch paper available • For all rooms and hallways, remove or cover all posters, including instructional materials AND motivational posters • Use a sign for the door indicating testing is taking place • Keep extra sharpened pencils available

Administering the Test • Make sure students know where and how to mark answers • Encourage students to keep trying • Be positive • Ensure students have correct booklets • Read Aloud directions and clarify if necessary (but NO paraphrasing)

Administering the Test (cont. ) • Double-check and re-inventory all testing materials before and after each day’s testing session • Testing Administrator, not proctor, must sign for tests daily.

Allowable Accomodations • There are 4 categories of accommodations: presentation, response, setting, and timing • By now, you should have reviewed this for your studets using the checklist at your Rt. II meeting

Allowable Accomodations (cont. ) • All students are allowed highlighters and blank paper if asked for • Calculators are allowable in Grade 4 • Words, phrases, and sentences are able to be read aloud only for math, writing, and science IF THE STUDENT ASKS • If reading aloud, even voice inflection is a must

Allowable Accomodations (cont. ) • Double-check all IEP’s, 504’s, and student file checklists before administering nonallowable accommodations.

Testing Schedule • Overall Dates: – Math and Reading: through April 11 th – Science (Gr. 4): through May 9 th • (Specific schedule being developed and will be given out when finalized. )

Testing Schedule (cont. ) • PSSA tests must start no later than 9: 15 on testing days • For unfinished students, call the Team Room (x 4157) for a monitor to escort child to LGI… they are NOT to walk alone with their booklets. • Students must be escorted to nurse or anywhere other then the bathroom. Bathrooms have monitors.

Testing Schedule (cont. ) • Make-ups will occur from 1 -3 pm daily • Students will be picked-up at 12: 50 and join the group in the LGI • Late students: – Before 9: 15 will go to classroom – After 9: 15 will go to Art Room and take afternoon make-up.

Proctoring • Teachers will be switching with each other to administer tests • Special Ed small groups will have proctors assigned • Proctors only job is to watch that test is administered within proper guidelines set forth by the state

Proctoring (cont. ) • Common Violations: – Inadequately monitoring testing session (i. e. TA using laptop/cell phone, not walking around, etc. ) – Over-proctoring by giving inappropriate accommodations, reminders to individual students, etc. – Do not return test materials to students if incomplete. Closed means done.

Test Pick-Up and Drop-Off • Tests will be delivered at 8: 45 to your room on testing days – Lara and Patti will deliver Grade 3 – Mike and Amanda will deliver Grade 4 • Tests will be picked up each day at 11: 30 by the same people. • Email team leaders when students completed. When team leader emails Mike the whole team is completed we will pick up if before 11: 30.

Test Pick-Up and Drop-Off (cont. ) • You must be in your room and ready to accept the tests • You are required to count the tests each day and verify the total number; those picking-up tests will check when they receive them back

Final Notes and Reminders • Closed Books= COLLECT TEST IMMEDIATELY • Report any violations immediately • CODE OF CONDUCT for Testers – Filling in bubble – MATH Red Dot Covers – Cover content in hallways – Electronic Devices Policy

Final Notes and Reminders (cont. ) • Have students use bathrooms after arriving (do not wait until 9: 15) • When finished, students may read only and cannot be instructional books like SF book

Questions? ? • Contact Lynn Cheddar with specific questions/concerns.