1. Wyncote Elementary School Test Taking Tips
Parent Information Packet

2. When are the PSSA’s? April 7 – April 16, 2010
(Reading and Math 3rd and 4th grades)
April 26 – April 30, 2010
(Science – 4th grade only)

3. Who has to take the PSSA’s?
Every Pennsylvania student in
3rd grade
4th grade
5th grade
8th grade
11th grade

4. As a partner in SUCCESS
You can help your child succeed.

5. CAN WE DO IT….?
YES WE CAN!

6. WHAT DO THE PSSAs MEAN TO YOUR CHILD
Gives your child an opportunity to show what they know
Indicate what your child has learned based upon Pennsylvania standards
Indicate if your child is proficient in the subject area

7. Preparation
Wyncote Elementary School students have been exposed to the content covered on the assessments. We stress that our teachers review concepts throughout the year.
To reduce anxiety, test taking strategies are also reviewed throughout the year.

8. HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR THE PSSAs
TEST WEEK TIPS
Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep
Limit your child’s TV and video time
Give them a hearty breakfast every day
Speak in a positive manner about the tests
Make sure the child gets to school on time
Plan appointments at another time
Review the PSSA CONTRACT

9. TEST TAKING TIPS
WE ARE READY!

10. ALWAYS READ….
TOP TO BOTTOM
EDGE TO EDGE

11. The Process of Elimination
After you have been through all of the questions once, go back and find questions you have some knowledge about and eliminate choices that you know are incorrect.
I know C isn’t the answer!

12. Skip, Return, Check
If you finish early, check to make sure you have answered all questions.

13. Key Words
Find key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer.

14. Are we communicating?
Make sure you understand what the question is asking.
Be sure you are responding to the question that is being asked.

15. Reading Passages
When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for clues in other questions that will help you with those items about which you are unsure.

16. Math Computation
When using scratch paper on a math test, double check to make sure that you have copied the problem correctly from the test booklet!

17. Math Computation
Line up place value correctly on your scratch paper (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be incorrect.

18. Math Computation
If your answer does not match one of the choices, reread the problem, recopy the numbers, and try solving it again.

19. MULTIPLE CHOICE STRATEGIES
Read the question carefully
What is the question asking
Read the answer choices
Eliminate choices that are wrong
Do the math and then pick the answer that best fits the choices
READ THE QUESTION AGAIN AND CHECK YOUR ANSWER

20. OPEN ENDED QUESTION STRATEGIES
Read the question prompt first
Underline what it is asking you to do
Respond to the question
Read the response to check for accuracy.
Does the response make sense?
Have you responded to what the prompt asked for?

21. PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES
Read the question carefully
What is the question asking for?
Show your work
Make sure you write the work
Write the correct units
DO NOT ERASE YOUR WORK!
Check your answer for mistakes

22. ‘Twas the Night Before Testing
Go to bed on time.
Put a few number 2 pencils with erasers in your backpack.
Solve family/friend problems before the testing date.
Talk to your parents about any concerns that you might have about the test.

23. The Morning of Testing Think Positive!
Start your day as you always do.
Eat a good breakfast.
Think of what you will do to relax after you get home from school.
Think Positive!

24. Words of encouragement for students
Stay calm
Make us proud – show what you know!
Always check your work
Read directions, questions and all answer choices
Try your best!

25. WE ARE READY!