Standardized Testing Why do we need to take

Standardized Testing Why do we need to take these tests?

Required By Law NCLB – Federal Level Department of Education – State Level

Pennsylvania Department of Education decided All… 501 School Districts in Pennsylvania Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 11 must take the PSSA (Math & Reading)

Why would the Government want us to take Math & Reading Tests? To make sure all of the schools and school districts are teaching their students specific information to a specific level.

Are all teachers and all schools the same? Answer: No The State Government realizes this and decided they needed to set a specific level all students needed to meet.

How is this accomplished? Standardized Testing – All students take the same tests across all (501) districts – During the same time (March 12 -23) – This type of testing allows the Department of Education to evaluate all schools equally

What Performance level do I need to reach? Students must reach the level of Proficient in both Math & Reading Performance Levels 1. Advanced 2. Proficient 3. Basic 4. Below Basic

Advanced? Yes, there is a performance level which is for students who are Advanced for their grade level. *This means the test will have a “few” questions which are above grade level. Don’t get frustrated when you hit one of these tougher questions.

Proficient What happens if you do not reach the proficient performance level? It could be determined you need remediation in one of the two courses. Additional Courses Math Courses Reading Courses

When would I take these remediation courses? -Possibly during electives. This could Limit the choices you have when selecting the courses you want to take. Approach the PSSA the same way you approach 4 Sight Testing. Try to “Test-Out” by doing well.

Why would the district make a remediation course mandatory? The District Must Follow the State & Federal Requirements Remember: The tests results are used to evaluate the school system, as well as individual students. The results help the school make decisions regarding: 1. Instructional Programs (what courses are offered) 2. Individual Student Placement (what courses you will take)

How do you reach different performance levels? You are scored based on how well you know the material. Your performance level is not based on how you compare to other students in the building. You must get a specific number of questions correct to reach the Proficient Level.

What Should You Do?

Strategies for Taking Standardized Tests

The night Before Testing Go to bed on time. • Talk to your parents about any concerns that you might have about the test.

The Morning of Testing Start your day as you always do. Eat a good breakfast. Think Positive! Approach the testing with a positive attitude. Confidence is the Key.

Multiple Choice Questions Read the question and ALL answer choices before marking anything. Some answers may be very similar to the correct answer. Be Careful!

Example of Multiple Choice Type Answers The correct answer is: (X is less than 5) a. X > 7 b. X < 8 c. X > 5 d. X < 5

The Process of Elimination Eliminate choices that you know are incorrect. 50/50 “Educated Guess” I know it can’t be C or D.

Answering Questions Don't guess blindly. The test is not timed and you will have time to think about the best answer choice. We all work at different paces. Extended Testing time will be available if needed.

Key Words Find key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer. Beware of words like often, sometimes, and always. (Even wrong answers may be partially true)

Are we communicating? Make sure you understand. . . what the question is asking Be sure you are responding… to the question that is being asked

Reading Passages If the test requires you to read passages and then answer questions about what you read… Read the Questions First! • By doing this, you will know what you are looking for as you read.

Open-Ended Questions 20 – 25% of your score will come from the open-ended questions. If you do not take your time and work hard on these questions you are losing the opportunity to gain valuable points. Each (OE) reading question is worth the same as three (3) multiple choice questions. Each (OE) math question is worth the same as four (4) multiple choice questions.

Open-Ended Reading Questions (Strategies) Read the “Prompt” before reading the passage Use the CUCC method to help understand the question which needs to be answered Remember you can go back to the passage while writing your answer Write about ¾ of a page Answer the question which is being asked Use details from the passage to support your answer

Reading Passages When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for clues in other questions. Sometimes other questions will help you with questions you are unsure about.

Math Computation When using scratch paper on a math test, double check to make sure that you have copied the problem correctly from the test booklet! 2. 15 x 3. 14 21. 5 x 3. 13

Math Computation Line up place values correctly on your scratch paper (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be incorrect. Multiple Choice answers may be similar to answers you produce through simple common errors. Be Careful – Don’t Rush! Show us What you Know!

Math Computation If your answer does not match one of the choices, Don’t Guess, reread the problem, recopy the numbers, and try solving it again.

Check Your Work As you go back through, do not change all the answers. Remember: Your first answer is usually right.

It’s About Time Don’t spend too much time rewriting or obsessing about neatness. BUT…. .

Make Sure You… Fill in bubbles fully and erase stray marks. Double-check the question number in your test booklet against the answer sheet every five questions to be sure you haven’t gotten on the wrong number.

The Death Grip If your arm tires during testing it is probably due to the grip that you have on your pencil. Relax the grip and give those muscles a break. Do not do arm exercises during testing as this disturbs others.

Advanced vs. Proficient Remember it's okay NOT to know everything — unlike most class tests, these tests will have a few questions designed to challenge the limits of your knowledge. A few questions may be at a grade level above your current grade. Stay Positive when you encounter a difficult question.

Do your best Your efforts will pay off for YOU in the future. – The Courses You are Required to Take – The Overall School Program You can experience

Be… Serious Confident Strategic “Show us what you know!”