Elementary PSSA Math Test Prep

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Elementary PSSA Math Test Prep

• Dallastown Area School District
• 2006-2007

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What is the PSSA?

• Pennsylvania test given to every student in
  third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and
  eleventh grade.
• Math
• Reading
• Writing (only grades 5, 8, and 11)
• Click here for additional information.

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When is the test given?

• Sections of the test are given from
• March 12, 2007 through March 23, 2007.
• Students need to be prompt.
• Avoid scheduling appointments and vacations

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Why is the test given?

• Guides curriculum and instruction
• Identifies students who are in need of
  intervention services

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How can parents help their child prepare for the
test?

• Create awareness about the test. Talking about
  the test with your child can relieve stress about
  test-taking.
• If you are anxious about your childs test its
  okay, but try to keep cool. You do not want
  him/her to get anxious about the test too.
• Have your child relax before bedtime and make
  certain he or she gets a good nights rest.
• Provide a nutritious breakfast for your child.
• Remind your child to listen carefully to the
  instructions from the teacher and to read the
  directions and each question carefully.
• Encourage your child to stay focused and do
  his/her best on the test.

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What are teachers doing to prepare your child?

• Administering practice problems
• Teaching test-taking strategies
• Focusing instructions on eligible content
• Using data to guide curriculum

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What strategies can students use during the test?

• Take the test seriously.
• Read the question or problem carefully and
  completely.
• Underline or highlight key information in the
  problem.
• Pay attention to diagrams or pictures
• Check your work.
• Did you answer all the questions asked within the
  problem?
• Is your answer reasonable? Does it make sense?
• Reread the problem. Did you understand it
  correctly?
• Dont worry about how fast other people finish
  their test just concentrate on you.

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Where can you find additional information or
resources?

• http//www.growparents.com/paelementary/
• http//www.testtakingtips.com/
• http//www.pde.state.pa.us/
• http//www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguid
  es/standardizedtests.htm
• Presentation by Elementary Math Parent
  Education Sub Committee
• Sources Pennsylvania Department of
  Education
• Test Taking Tips. Com
• Scholastic