1. It’s that time ….. What can I do to prepare for PSSA? What can I do to prepare for PSSA? What is in it for me? What is in it for me? Where am I taking it? Where am I taking it? What does it look like? What does it look like?

2. Preparation for the test……. Relax Relax Get a good night’s sleep, 8 hours or more Get a good night’s sleep, 8 hours or more Be on time to class Be on time to class Bring something to read or do after you are finished (NO headphones) Bring something to read or do after you are finished (NO headphones) Look over the test-taking strategies sheet Look over the test-taking strategies sheet

3. What does PSSA reading look like? You will have 3 sections of the reading test.You will have 3 sections of the reading test. Each section has 2 or 3 storiesEach section has 2 or 3 stories The story will be followed by the following;The story will be followed by the following; –5 to 10 multiple choice questions & a prompt or –5 to 10 multiple choice questions –The prompt may have multiple parts – be sure to answer all parts

4. REMEMBER The reading prompt is scored differently than the writing promptThe reading prompt is scored differently than the writing prompt –Points are earned on a 3 point scale –You should; Check capitalization and punctuationCheck capitalization and punctuation Use and explain examples from the storyUse and explain examples from the story Answer all parts of the question being asked – remember that there may be PARTS A, B, and CAnswer all parts of the question being asked – remember that there may be PARTS A, B, and C

5. What does PSSA math look like?  There are 3 math sections on PSSA.  The first 2 sections contain 20 to 25 multiple choice questions and 2 open- ended questions.  Each open-ended question contains a two or three part answer.  USE THE FORMULA SHEET!

6. REMEMBER for MATH….  You must answer the open-ended question by showing your work and explaining what you did in writing. Points are earned for the work you show and your explanation.  Even if you are stuck try to put something down.  No answer = no points!

7. Test Taking Tips Guess the answer before you look at the options. Read the questions before you read the passage. “All of the above” is a good guess “None of the above” is usually wrong When you have no clue guess B or C on an answer that has A, B, C, D Guess the longer of those 2 answers Guess consistently, if you choose B, stick with it!

8. Clue/ Key Words Words like None All Never Always Make a statement FALSE Words like Frequently Usually Sometimes Generally Make a statement TRUE

9. Thank You Many of you have worked hard to improve and learn for this test. Thanks! Good Luck! We appreciate your efforts!