30 Days to PSSA

Friday, January 30th

During the math and reading test each student is given 2 sharpen pencils, a large eraser and a ruler. We checked our supplies today to see what materials we need to order for next year. We also began checking our calculators. Prior to the test we will inventory all calculators and test their batteries. We need to order extra batteries so we are ready for testing days.

Principal R.

31 Days to PSSA

Thursday, January 29th

Our second marking period ended last week. Last summer we placed several 11th grade students in a remedial reading amd math courses. We have been monitoring their progress all year long. Placement in the course was based on prior testing and grades. Some are giving an opportunity to place out of the course at the end of the first semester. Another opportunity to place out of the class will be given at the end of the 3rd marking period.

Principal R.

33 Days and Counting

Our curriculum presentation for parents is tonight. Among other things we will be discussing the PSSA exam. We will remind them about the testing schedule and the importance of attendance for those days. Also, since we will be discussing graduation requirements we will highlight the fact that achieving proficiency on the exam is a graduation requirement.

Our writing test books arrived the other day. We have inventoried them and stored them in a secure location. As we are preparing our list of juniors who will be taking the writing exam we are going over the list very carefully to ensure that we have noted any student who needs special accommodations. We have found that the writing exam is much easier to administer then the math, reading, and science. In preparing for giving the writing assessment it is a good opportunity to make sure will have are “ducks in a row” for the next wave of testing. One area that can be particularly confusing is identifying A typical juniors, those students who may start the years as 10th grade student and those students who may be in their second 11th grade year.

Principal R.

Day 36

We spoke with custodians and the science department to clear out some secure storage space for testing materials. We needed a location that was close to assistant principal who is in charge of test administration. We found the perfect closet and contacted the operations department to have the key changed so only a very small number of people have access. We have also started to form a PSSA committee. These are individuals who will help organize the testing operations for the math and reading test. Typically, these are teachers who are interested in gaining some experience outside of the class. Often they are teachers who are considering or pursuing administrative certification. They help with room assignments, proctor assignments, bell schedules, refreshments, etc.

Principal R.

Day 37

PTO meeting tonight. I'm going to provide them with the testing calendar for Writing, Math and Reading, and Science. Science will be a big change this year so I want to give them as much advance notice as possible. I also made them aware of the change in the testing calendar for next year. I want to make sure that parents are aware of this change as the plan their vacations for next year. I have discussed the PSSAs with the PTO on several occasions. Each year we utilize PTO volunteers to help out during the math and reading exams. They help monitor the halls and act as messengers. Their involvement works on two levels. On one level they are an added pair of hands, or more specifically legs. They free up teachers so we can place multiple proctors in a room. Secondly, by involving them in the testing process they can help spread the word to the community that we take this test seriously and we are doing everything we can to help them be successful.

Principal R.

Day 39

I met with the Special Education department head to discuss modification that we can make to help our students with IEPs. Specifically, we are investigating the possibility of giving those students phys ed prior to taking the test. Research has shown that raising the heart rate first thing in the morning can lead to an increase in academic achievement.

The test administration handbook and proctoring manual for the writing exam arrived today. I have given these to the assistant principal in charge of testing. He has already been coordinating rooms and proctors for this test. The students will be taking the exam in their English classes, for 4 consecutive days, with minimal impact on the rest of the school. A large majority of the students will take the exam with their current English teachers.

Principal R.

Day 40

We held a faculty meeting today and among the things we discussed was the kickoff of the PSSA season. I presented the testing calendar to the faculty and discussed the changes to the calendar, specifically, the schedule modifications we will need to make in how we conduct the science test. We also discussed the changes to the overall testing calendar that the state has indicated will occur next year.

I also discussed some of the changes to the test themselves. Specifically, I talked about the additional writing prompt and the change in the calculator policy. I thought it was important that the entire faculty be aware of these changes and not just the content area.

Finally, without going into much detail I quickly reviewed the PowerPoint, located on the PDE website, which discusses many of these things.

POWERPOINT

Principal R.