1. Understanding the PSSA
Third Grade Parent Workshop
Tuesday, March 14, 2017

2. Welcome
Thank you all for coming. This workshop will help you better understand the PSSA and how we have prepared for the assessment.  
Please be sure to have:
Sign in Sheet
Evaluation Form
Scratch Paper and pencil
Student prepared folder
Workshop Power point

3. What is the PSSA?
PSSA stands for Pennsylvania System of School Assessment.
This state assessment was created to measure if we were meeting the federal guidelines of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Students in grades 3-8 will be taking part in the PSSA Language Arts and Math Assessment in April.
student letters to explain the PSSA

4. Frequently Asked Questions
What do the assessments include?
Each student completes four sections of Language Arts (Writing too) and three sections of Math.
Some sections will be the same for all students, while others will consist of different types of questions.
What types of questions are on the assessments??
There are many types of questions on the PSSA: multiple-choice, evidence based selected response, open ended, writing prompt, and short answer.

5. Frequently Asked Questions COntinued….
Can my child opt out of PSSA Testing?
In order to opt out of the test, you must meet with Mr. Richard Britten the district Curriculum Director.
Can I view the PSSA??
Once again, you have to set up an appointment with Mr. Richard Britten.

6. Tuesday and Wednesday of Both Weeks
Who scores the PSSA?
Multiple-choice questions are scored by computers.
Written responses for the open-ended items are scored by evaluators following a scoring system.
How long do the assessments take?
The entire Language Arts and Math assessment will take approximately six - seven hours.
The test is not timed; however, students must finish each section before lunch or at the time of dismissal.
The third grade PSSA is given over two weeks. April 4 & 5 and April 25 & 26
Tuesday and Wednesday of Both Weeks

7. Who administers the PSSA?
Teachers, principals, administrators, teacher aides, and guidance counselors are all trained annually to administer the assessment.
What is assessed on the PSSA?
Language Arts consists of a variety of categories: fictional and nonfictional genres, assessing comprehension, reading skills, and interpretation of what they have read.
Mathematics consists of five reporting categories, varying by grade level.

8. PSSA Language Arts ASSESSMENT
Passage Types
- Two Stories
- One Poem
- One Informational
- One Autobiography/Biography or one
Practical/How-to/Advertisement
60 multiple-choice items
4 writing prompts, 4 short answers,
8-9 Evidence Based Selected Response

9. Mathematics Student score comes from: - 60 multiple choice questions
- Three open-ended questions
Students take:
- 72 multiple choice in grades 3 - 8
- Four open-ended questions

10. When will I get my child’s results?
When is the PSSA?
April 4th and April 5th
Language Arts (All Day)
April 25th and April 26th
Mathematics (A.M and P.M. – Tuesday, A.M. – Wednesday)
When will I get my child’s results?
You will receive the results by mail sometime over the summer or fall.
The results may affect the courses your child is enrolled in for next school year.

11. We Have Been Working Hard Preparing…
Performance Coach Book (PSSA and Common Core Aligned)
Performance Coach Assessment Booklets (Week Before)
PSSA Release Items (Two Weeks Before)
Xtra Math – Fact Fluency
IXL Math – Third Grade Mathematics Concepts
Raz Kids – Reading Comprehension at Student Level
Accelerated Reader – Reading Comprehension
WRITING!!  (Opinion, Narrative, Informational, Persuasive)
PSSA Language Arts and Mathematics Bingo
Title I Money and Time take home kits March 20

12. Encouragement
1. Encouragement letter from parents 2. Bell Township Student Encouragement Cards 3. Parkview Student Encouragement Cards & Signs 4. Snacks after each assessment 5. Encouragement Classroom Bulletin Board 6. Encouragement Letters from Dr. Weber

13. Code of conduct Do… Listen to, read, and follow all directions given
Ask questions for clarification
Read each question carefully
Record answers in the correct section
Completely fill in bubbles
Answer each question even if it’s a guess
Check that each section is completed before closing book
Take your time! 

14. Code of Conduct Do not… Bring notes to the test
Bring electronic divices: Cell phones, fit bit, etc.
Share calculators/notes with others
Put stray marks on the answer key
A pencil that is not a number 2

15. How can I help my child? Doctors Appointments/Sick
PSSA After School tutoring March 13 – April 5 3:30-4:30 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
Ensure he/she gets plenty of rest each night
Provide a healthy breakfast
Wear a comfortable outfit – hoodie
Remind your child to read all directions, work out problems, and answer each question
Review your child’s multiplication facts
Ease any anxieties he/she may be feeling
Inquire about your child’s test/day at school
Doctors Appointments/Sick

16. Online Resources Quizlet: Math and language arts term activities
Additional packets
Go Math Folder: vocabulary cards, Glossary, Extra games and activities

17. Thank you for coming!
Questions??