Test Format
What grades the the PSSAs?
3rd, 4th, 5th
True or False - I may have my cell phone or smart watch out during testing.
False! Cell phones and smart watches must be collected before the test.
The night before the test I should...
A -stay up late
B - get a good night's sleep
B -get a good night's sleep. Your brain and body need rest to function at their best!
True or False - I need to listen and follow the test directions carefully.
True!
When I am done with my test I should...
A - hand it in right away
B -check it over carefully
Do we start testing in the morning or afternoon?
morning - around 8:30
True or False -I may use a calculator during the math PSSA.
3rd - False
4th and 5th - True
The morning of the test I should...
A - eat a good breakfast
B - skip breakfast
A - eat a good breakfast. Your brain and body need fuel!
On multiple choice test questions I should...
A - choose the best answer
B - fill in the bubble completely
C - take my best guess on answers I don't know
D - erase carefully and completely
E - ALL OF THE ABOVE
E - ALL OF THE ABOVE!!!
If I decide to change an answer I should...
A - cross it out
B -erase it completely and bubble the correct choice
B -erase it completely and bubble the correct choice.
What subtests does your grade take?
3rd and 5th - math and ELA
4th - math, ELA, and science
True or False - I may use pre-printed graphic organizers like the answer sandwich, 4 square, etc.
False! You may create a graphic organizer on your scratch paper.
I should try really hard to...
A - be late for school
B - be on time for school
B - be on time for school! Anyone who arrives after the testing has started will have to wait in the office until someone is available to get them going on the test for the day.
True or False - The PSSAs are untimed.
True - you may take as long as you need to complete the test. If most of your class has finished you'll be able to go to one of the school counselors' offices to finish your test.
If I'm absent I...
A -don't have to take the subtest I missed
B - will make up the test I missed with one of the school counselors
B - will make up the test I missed with one of the school counselors
What two types of questions are on the test?
multiple choice and open ended
True or False -After I take my test I may keep my notes and scratch paper.
False! All notes and scratch paper are collected and shredded.
I will do the best on my test if I try to...
A - relax and stay calm
B - panic and get upset
A - relax and stay calm! You've worked hard and now it's time to show what you know. You've got this!
True or False - My form of the test is the same as everybody else's.
False! There are many different forms of the test.
True or False - After the PSSAs I can talk about the test with anybody.
False - You are not allowed to talk about specific test questions and answers after the test.