1. Getting Ready for the Pennsylvania State Assessments, 2016-2017
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2. Contacts Introduction Contacts
Ray Young, Chief, Division of Instructional Quality;
ACCESS;
Lynn Dell M.S, PASA, CCC/SLP
Drew Schuckman, NAEP;
Diane Simaska, PSSA ELA/Keystone Literature/Accommodations;
Charlie Wayne, PSSA Math/Keystone Algebra I;
Craig Weller, PSSA Science/Keystone Biology;
Jean Dyszel, Project Based Assessment;
Contacts
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3. Agenda Agenda General Information Overview of Statewide Assessments
Resources and Tools
PSSA
Keystone Exams
Agenda
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4. General Information General Information Updates
PA Accountability System;
School Performance Profile (PDE website)or PA School Performance Profile (website);
Pennsylvania Value Added Assessment System (PVAAS);
Educator Effectiveness System;
Test Security – or
General Information
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5. Statewide Assessments
Assessing Communication and Comprehension in English State-to-State for English Language Learners (ACCESS for ELLs);
Project Based Assessment (PBA);
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP);
Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA);
Statewide Assessments
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6. PASA PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) Test Window
Reading/Math: Feb. 13, 2017 – March 24, 2017 (media due April 3, 2017)
Science Test Window: April 10, 2017 – May 5, (media due May 12, 2017)
Writing: Field Testing
Enrollment Period
Reading/Math: September 22, 2016 – December 9, 2016
Science: January 9, February 3, 2017
PASA
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7. PASA 2 Who participates in the PASA?
PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
Who participates in the PASA?
Students with a significant cognitive disability
Grades 3-8 and 11 Reading/Math
Grades 4, 8 and 11 Science
PASA Participation Guidelines
IEP teams make assessment decisions
Student must meet all six eligibility criteria PASA Criteria
PASA 2
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8. PASA Eligibility Criteria
1. By September 1 of the school year in which this IEP will be operative, will the student be in grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 11? Yes/ No AND
2. Does the student have significant cognitive disabilities? Yes /No AND
3. Does the student require intensive instruction to learn? Yes /No AND
Does the student require extensive adaptation and support in order to perform and/or participate meaningfully and productively in the everyday life activities of integrated school, home, community, and work environments? Yes /No AND
5. Does the student require substantial modifications of the general education curriculum?
Yes/No AND
6. Does the student’s participation in the general education curriculum differ substantially in form and/or substance from that of most other students (i.e., different objectives, materials, or activities)? Yes/ No
These are the 6 eligibility criteria that IEP teams consider when deciding if a student qualifies for PASA.
Again, these criteria are no different than what we have been using all along

9. PASA 4 PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
Test Design based upon alternate eligible content
Math and ELA and Scoring Samplers
PASA Scoring Guidelines
Alternate eligible content aligned with PSSA Assessment Anchors and eligible content
Implement policies/procedures to enhance test security
Participation in Test Administration modules
Digital recording and uploading recordings: Contact PASA to get enrolled.
PASA 4
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10. PASA Required Training: Science
PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
PASA Required Training: Science
Topics: Accessing Test Materials,
Administering the PASA-Science,
Entering Student Responses,
Camera Positioning and Video Upload
Format: Modules (10-15 minutes each)
Location:
Window: February 27, 2017 – March 24, 2017
PASA Additional Training
Guide to Enrollment
Test Security
PASA Required Training: Science
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11. PASA Required Training: Reading/Math
PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
PASA Required Training: Reading/Math
Topic: Test Administration
Format: Modules
Location:
Window: December 5, 2016-January 20, 2017
PASA Additional Training
Enrollment of Students
Uploading Video –Digital Districts
PASA Required Training: Reading/Math
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12. PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
PASA Contact Information
All test materials are shipped from and returned to PASA Project at the University of Pittsburgh:
Dr. Naomi Zigmond – Reading/Math
Dr. Steven R. Lyon – Science
Enrollment, training, digital uploads:
General PASA Information:
Science Updates:
QUESTIONS:
BSE Contact: Lynn Dell M.S, CCC/SLP
PASA Contact Information
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13. Resources and Tools Resources and Tools eDirect PSSA Testing Calendars
Keystone Exams Testing Calendars
Performance Level Descriptors and Cut Scores (All Grades/Subjects)
Technical Reports (PSSA/Keystone)
Accommodations
Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS)
Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT)
Resources and Tools
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14. PSSA Math PSSA Math Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
Mathematics Test Design
Mathematics Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Calculator Policy
Assessment Anchors and Glossary
PSSA Math
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15. PSSA Math
Criterion Referenced
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16. PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Embedded Field Test based on PCS
Open-ended items scored on a 0-4 scale
Item-specific scoring guidelines but no general rubric
Formula sheets will be provided for grades 4-8
See Resource Materials on PDE’s website for the formula sheets and item samplers
Multiple choice items based on the Assessment Anchors aligned to the PA Core Standards. The Eligible Content is considered Assessment Limits.
All items may cross Eligible Content, Descriptors, Anchors and Reporting Categories.
All items align to the Anchor.
Use the Glossary! It defines how terms are used in PA (e.g. number sentence).
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
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17. PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics 2
Examples of how open-ended items might be phrased:
- Show or explain all your work.
- Show all your work. Explain why you did each step.
- Explain why [something is true or false]
- Describe how [doing something affects
something else; to find something, etc.]
Reminder: Have students read all items carefully, especially the open-ended items, and answer exactly what is being asked.
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics 2
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18. Open-ended Item Example
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Open-ended Item Example
Roy is running for class president. He polls 50 students. 60 percent of them say they will vote for him.
A. There are 350 students in Roy’s class. Based on his survey, how many students should he expect to vote for him? Show or explain all your work.
B. Roy will sell fruit drinks to raise money for his campaign. A fruit drink cost $0.10 and he sells it for $0.50. How many fruit drinks does Roy need to sell to earn $80? Show all your work. Explain why you did each step.
Open-ended Item Example
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19. Rubric Rubric (for sample item only): PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Part A:
- ½ point for correct answer AND
- 1 point for complete and correct work OR
½ point for correct but incomplete work
Part B:
- 1 point for correct and compete work OR
½ point for correct but incomplete work AND
- 1 point for correct and complete explanation
½ point for correct but incomplete explanation
Rubric
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20. Rubric Metric Rubric Metric Total Points (within) Score (on) 4 4
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Rubric Metric
Total Points (within) Score (on)
3-3 ½ 3
2-2 ½ 2
½-1 ½ 1
Rubric Metric
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21. Notes on Open-Ended Items
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Some notes about open-ended items:
Guess and Check is a valid method but at least two incorrect guesses must be shown to receive full credit.
Not all open-ended items require a “why.”
At least half the score points must come from one Anchor. The rest can come from anywhere else.
Notes on Open-Ended Items
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22. Notes etc Can have a “blemish” and still get a 4
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Can have a “blemish” and still get a 4
“e.g. missing $” may or may not be a blemish depending on the item and grade.
If an answer box is given the answer does not have to be in the answer box to receive full credit, but if there is an answer in the answer box it overrides any other answer given.
An incorrect answer carried through correctly will receive full credit for the correct part.
Notes etc
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23. PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Rulers and protractors will be provided where needed. Students must use the rulers and protractors provided for the PSSA.
Rulers will be used in grade 3 only and will be scaled to the ⅛ inch and millimeter. Students will be required to measure to the ¼ inch and centimeter.
Protractors will be used only for the grade 4 PSSA.
Notes Continued
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24. Test\Item Specifics Grade 3 Cannot use calculators.
PSSA Math: Test\Item Specifics
Grade 3
Cannot use calculators.
Answers marked in test booklet.
Grade 4 and up:
Calculators are permitted on all but the beginning few items.
Test\Item Specifics
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25. PSSA ELA PSSA ELA Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
English Language Arts (ELA) Test Design
English Language Arts (ELA) Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Assessment Anchors and Glossary
PSSA ELA
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26. PSSA Science PSSA Science
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)
Science Test Design
Science Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Assessment Anchors and Glossary
PSSA Science
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27. Keystone Exams Keystone Exams Keystone Exams
Test Designs: Algebra I, Biology, Literature
Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content
Item and Scoring Samplers
Scoring Guidelines
Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS)
Keystone Exams
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28. Mission
For more information on Getting Ready for the State Assessments please visit PDE’s Assessment and Accountability webpages.
The mission of the department is to academically prepare children and adults to succeed as productive citizens. The department seeks to ensure that the technical support, resources and opportunities are in place for all students, whether children or adults, to receive a high quality education.
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