1. PSSA Information for Families Elkins Park School January 2016

2. Presentation Contents Testing Dates and General Information Performance Descriptor definitions Math Content, Test Design, and Sample Questions English/Language Arts Content, Test Design, and Sample Questions Family Resources Preparing to “Test Your Best!” Helpful Contact Information

3. English-Language Arts April 11th-15th Math: April 18th-22nd Make-Up Testing: April 25th-29th *Please no vacations, doctor appointments, or late arrivals on testing days. 2015-2016 PSSA Dates

4. General Test Information Both English/Language Arts and Mathematics tests contain written and multiple choice type questions. Calculators are permitted for the majority of the math tests. The 2014-2015 PSSA was considered our baseline test year. This year’s test affords us the opportunity to show growth. Tests are administered during a block of time each morning and then classes begin.

5. PSSA Performance Level Descriptors Advanced Superior academic performance In-depth understanding and exemplary display of skills in PA Core Standards Proficient Satisfactory academic performance Solid understanding and adequate display of the skills in the PA Core Standards Basic Marginal academic performance Partial understanding and limited display of the skills in the PA Core Standards Below Basic Academic performance is not adequate Little understanding and minimal display of the skills in the PA Core Standards

6. Mathematics Information 5th Grade Math Content Categories: ❏ Numbers & Operations: Base Ten* ❏ Numbers & Operations: Fractions* ❏ Measurement & Data (Volume*) ❏ Operations and Algebraic Thinking ❏ Geometry *major 5th grade topics 6th Grade Math Content Categories: ❏ Ratio & Proportional Relationships ❏ The Number System ❏ Geometry ❏ Expressions and Equations* ❏ Statistics & Probability *major work of 6th grade

7. Reporting Category4 th Grade5 th Grade Numbers and Operations in Base Ten 18-22% 13-16 points 24-28% 12-20 points Numbers and Operations -Fractions 20-25% 14-18 points 26-30% 19-22 points Operations and Algebraic Thinking 24-28% 17-20 points 14-17% 10-12 points Geometry 14-17% 10-12 points 14-17% 10-12 points Measurement and Data 17-21% 12-15 points 17-21% 12-15 points PSSA Math Test Design for Grades 4 and 5: 2015-2016

8. PSSA Math Test Design for Grades 6-8: 2015-2016 Reporting Category6th Grade7th Grade8th Grade The Number System18-22% 13-16 points 14-17% 10-12 points 14-17% 10-12 points Ratio and Proportional Relationships 17-21% 12-15 points 24-28% 17-20 points Not tested Expressions and Equations 26-30% 17-20 points 24-28% 10-12 points Category changes to Functions 20-25% 14-18 points Geometry14-17% 10-12 points 18-22% 13-16 points 17-21% 12-15 points Statistics and Probability 18-22% 13-16 points 14-17% 10-12 points 14-17% 10-12 points

9. Math- Testing Section Layout At all grades, PACS Math Core can be described as: 60 core Multiple Choice (MC) items = 60 points 3 core 4 point Open Ended (OE) items = 12 points Total =72 points

10. Sample 5th Grade Math Questions Martha makes the statement shown: When multiplying two whole numbers that end in zeros, the product always has the exact same number of zeros at the end as the number of zeros from the end of the two numbers combined. For example, the product of 80 * 400 has exactly three zeros at the end since 80 ends in one zero and 400 ends in two zeros. What expression proves Martha’s statement is not correct? A. 10*100 B. 20*200 C. 30*400 D. 40*500 (correct)

12. Sample 6th Grade Math Questions The next two slides provide sample questions for sixth grade …...

14. 6th Grade Math Sample Question

15. PA Released Math Items PDE periodically releases questions no longer used on the PSSA Click the following links to go directly to the PDE bank of released math items 5th Grade Mathematics Sampler 6th Grade Mathematics Sampler Within each sampler packet are the formula sheets provided to students as well as the scoring rubrics

16. ELA Test Content Categories Literature Text Informational Text Writing Language Text- Dependent Analysis

17. Reporting Category5th Grade6th Grade Literature Text 18-27% 15-23 points 18-27% 15-23 points Informational Text 18-27% 15-23 points 18-27% 15-23 points Writing 14% 12 points 14% 12 points Language 21% 18 points 21% 18 points Text-Dependent Analysis19% 16 points 19% 16 points PSSA ELA Test Design for Grades 5 and 6: 2015-2016

18. ELA - Testing Section Layout

19. ELA Question Types 1)Evidence-Based Selected-Response (EBSR) 1)Text-Dependent-Analysis (TDA) 1)Multiple Choice (MC) 1)Writing Prompts (WP)

20. Evidence-Based Selected-Response (EBSR) What is an EBSR? It is a question that is made up of two parts. Part 1 = Comprehension of the passage Part 2 = What evidence proves your answer? May require more than one answer All answers are PLAUSIBLE

21. Evidence-Based Selected-Response (EBSR) Example: This question has two parts. Answer Part One and then answer Part Two. Part One Which theme is best supported by the speaker’s description of the first landing on the Moon? A. Teamwork makes difficult tasks possible. B. Travel can be dangerous but also rewarding. C. Scientific discovery is not valued enough. D. Adventure brings about excitement and wonder.* Part Two Which line from the poem best supports the answer in Part One? Choose one answer. A. “A quarter million miles away,” B. “They hopped like kangaroos...” C. “Then Neil planted the flag...” D. “One small blue planet watched in awe.”*

22. Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA) TDA- Text-Dependent Analysis: Questions that require students to analyze text TDA Questions assess 3 aspects of literacy... Themes Syntax and structure Knowledge of vocabulary

23. Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA) Example: The three passages discuss the impact that people have had on the bald eagle. Write an essay analyzing how people are helping the bald eagle increase in numbers. Use information from all three passages to support your response. How TDAs are written... 1st sentence- focuses the reader on a portion of the text 2nd sentence- directive is given to “write an essay analyzing how...” 3rd sentence- Reminder of the need of evidence across 1, 2, or 3 passages

24. Multiple-Choice (MC) Example How does the point of view in the poem influence how the landing on the Moon is described? A.It reveals to the reader what viewers from home said about the landing. A.It indicates to the reader the speaker’s thoughts about the landing. A.It tells the reader what the speaker said to the men about the landing. A.It informs the reader of one reporter’s opinions about the landing.

25. Grammar Multiple Choice (Previously only on 3rd, 5th & 8th Grade) Read the paragraph. (1) There is an easy way to improve your ability to remember a person’s name. (2) When you are introduced to someone, repeat that person’s name. (3) For example, if you have just met Joy, say to her, “It’s very nice to meet you, Joy.” (4) Now you are more likely to remember Joy’s name it is a simple but effective trick. Which sentence is a run-on sentence and should be written as two sentences? A. sentence 1 B. sentence 2 C. sentence 3 D. sentence 4

26. 5th Grade Writing Prompt Example: Opinion Writing Prompt You will have at least 30 minutes to plan, write, and proofread your response to this prompt: A group is starting a program that would allow students to travel to space. Some people think this is a good idea because it would be a hands-on learning experience. Others think that the educational opportunity is not worth the cost. Should students be allowed to travel to space? Write an essay for your teacher that states your opinion about whether students should be allowed to travel to space and explains why. Be sure to use details and reasons to support your opinion.

27. 6th Grade Writing Prompt Example: Argumentative Writing Prompt You will have at least 30 minutes to plan, write, and proofread your response to this prompt: Think about the time of day that is best for you or someone else to complete a demanding task. It could be early morning, afternoon, evening, or any other time of day. Think about what the task might be. What time of day is the best for completing this task and why? Write an argumentative essay for your teacher supporting your claim about which time of day is best for completing the demanding task you have selected. Be sure to use reasons and evidence to develop your argument.

28. PA Released ELA Items PDE periodically releases questions no longer used on the PSSA Click the following links to go directly to the PDE bank of released ELA items 5th Grade ELA Sampler 6th Grade ELA Sampler Within each sampler packet are scoring rubrics

29. How Can Families Support Learning? Devote time to shared and independent reading ●Have reading and math conversations with your child, have your child use evidence, discuss different perspectives, and different ways of solving problems ●Talk with your children about the importance working hard in school and preparing for college and career success. Monitor Study Island ELA and Math assignment completion. Study Island is a PSSA prep program.Study Island

30. How Can Families Support Learning? ●Provide either a TI30xs or TI-15 calculator for your child. (Contact Mrs. O’Connell at coconnell@cheltenham.org if you’d like to purchase through EP).coconnell@cheltenham.org Monitor the Daily Assignment Book (DAB) nightly. Review papers returned in the Friday Folder with your child. ●Log into PowerSchool regularly to check grades and assignment completion. ●Establish a culture of playing Board Games Board Games

31. Resources Study IslandStudy Island and First in MathFirst in Math PTO meetings PowerSchool and Friday Folders Your child’s teacher Our Reading and Math Specialists Learnzillion Khan AcademyKhan Academy Lessons EnVision2.0 Student Access Account Xtramath

32. Resources Parent RoadMap: Supporting Your Child in Grade Five ELA Parent RoadMap: Supporting Your Child in Grade Six ELA ReadWriteThink: Parent & After-School Resources ( Sponsored by the International Literacy Association) Parent RoadMap: Supporting Your Child in Grade Five MATH Parent RoadMap: Supporting Your Child in Grade Six MATH Be A Learning Hero

33. Prepare to Test Your Best A good night’s sleep will increase attention and focus. Eat a wholesome breakfast. Avoid sweets and sugar. Wear comfortable clothes. Dress in layers. Understand that the PSSA is very demanding. Don’t put on too much pressure at home, start new things, or overpack the calendar during the PSSA testing window. Reassure your child that s/he can handle this test. Stress that s/he should, “Do your best” rather than saying, “Don’t worry about the test.” DO NOT schedule any morning appointments during the PSSA testing window. Have several pencils ready.

34. Helpful Contacts Dr. Fitzpatrick-Doria Principal gfitzpatrickdoria@cheltenham.org Mrs. Christine Zubairu Vice Principal czubairu@cheltenham.org Mr. Bud Gasiorowski Reading Specialist bgasiorowski@cheltenham.org Mrs. Christine O’Connell Math Specialist coconnell@cheltenham.org