PIZZA and PSSA

What is PSSA? A standardized state test that shows student growth in grades 3-8 Given in April Math - Numbers and operations, measurement, geometry, algebraic concepts, and data analysis and probability Reading Tested- Reading comprehension skills, interpreting and analysis of fiction and nonfiction texts Science Tested in Grade 4- Nature of Science, Biological Science, Physical Science, and Earth/Space Science

How Is It Scored? Advanced The Advanced Level reflects superior academic performance and excellent work ethic. Advanced work indicates an in-depth understanding and exemplary display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards. Proficient The Proficient Level reflects satisfactory academic performance. Proficient work indicates a solid understanding and adequate display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards. Basic The Basic Level reflects marginal academic performance. Basic work indicates a partial understanding and limited display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards. This work is approaching satisfactory performance, but has not been reached. There is a need for additional instructional opportunities and/or increased student academic commitment to achieve the Proficient Level. Below Basic The Below Basic Level reflects inadequate academic performance. Below Basic work indicates little understanding and minimal display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards. There is a major need for additional instructional opportunities and/or increased student academic commitment to achieve the Proficient Level.

What Are the Teacher’s Doing? Online programs Hands-on learning Review sheets Word of the Day Intervention groups Higher level questioning Journal Writing

What Should My Child Be Doing? Reading EVERY night and reviewing their skills and strategies in their notebook Homework Studying online using Triumph, Study Island, ConnectedTriumphStudy IslandConnected Practicing math facts EVERY night

How Can I Help? Read with/to them and review their notebook Ensure they are practicing their math facts Get them online to study, helping them if needed Check with your child’s teacher to see if there is anything specific your child needs help in Use our school’s website to become more familiar with the Common Core and to stay up- to-date with our activities

Parent Resources Common Core Maple Manor Your child’s teacher Your child Teacher Websites – located on their webpage for additional review

Where To Next? Please return to your child’s classroom Your child’s teacher will be passing out a contract that they have already completed contract Discuss with your child the responsibilities they have and you have in preparing for the PSSA and record them on the contract Everyone will sign the contract and return it to the teacher