Pinckney Elementary

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Pinckney Elementary
PACT Workshop
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for parents
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Presented by
The Third Grade Team
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What is PACT?

• PACT stands for Palmetto Achievement Challenge
  Test
• PACT is a state-developed test
• PACT is based on the South Carolina Curriculum
  Standards

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When is PACT? May 11th May 18th

• May 11th- Language Arts (reading)
• May 12th- Language Arts (writing)
• May 13th- Math
• May 16th- Social Studies
• May 17th- Science
• May 18th Field Testing

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How has my student prepared for PACT in class?

• Curriculum Standards are incorporated into daily
  lesson plans
• Tests contain PACT formatted items
• PACT test prep materials used throughout the year
• High expectations are set for student achievement

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Math-Focus on Problem Solving

• Step-by-step guide to solving problems
• Step 1 Examine the problem
• Step 2 Choose a strategy
• Step 3 Carry out the strategy
• Step 4 Check your results

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Sample PACT Question
Mr. George's class of 26 students is going to
play kickball. There are 11 people on a team, and
four students are not feeling well and do not
play. How many teams can Mr. George's class
form? A. 5 teamsB. 2 teamsC. 3 teamsD. 4 teams
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Math
Answer B. 2 teams
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Science

• Focus on inquiry, science process skills
• Students will need to
• Make and interpret observations
• Use and interpret charts and graphs
• Formulate questions
• Apply science to the real world

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Science
Sample PACT Question 3rd grade

• Look at the characteristics below.
• dense, white fur
• sharp teeth
• strong, long claws
• thick layer of fat
• hibernates
• Which would be the best habitat for an animal
  with these characteristics?
• A. tropical forestB. hot desertC. grasslandD.
  polar region

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Science
Answer D. polar region
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Social Studies

• Focus on reading maps, timelines, tables, and
  charts to gain information.
• 40 of the test is history
• Students do not need to know specific dates

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Social Studies

• If you lived in Myrtle Beach, why might people
  come to visit your community?
• A. to climb Sassafras Mountain
• B. to swim in the Atlantic Ocean
• C. to visit Riverbanks Zoo
• D. to raft down the Broad River

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B. to swim in the Atlantic Ocean
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Language Arts- Reading

• Focus on various types of stories (fiction and
  non-fiction)
• Some skills covered
• Main idea
• Cause and effect
• Sequencing
• Fact and opinion
• Making inferences

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Language Arts- Reading
Sample PACT Questions 2nd grade
Why is "Washday Song" a good title for this poem?
Write your answer in complete sentences.
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Language Arts- Reading
Answer "Washday Song" is a good title for the
poem because the descriptions the poet uses for
the clouds are similar to those used to describe
laundry hanging on the line to dry.
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Language Arts- Writing
Sample PACT Question
Write an essay in which you describe what the
world would be like if there were only one
season. Use a sheet of paper to write notes, make
a list, a web, or do any other prewriting you
need to. When you finish go back and reread your
essay. Make any changes neatly or rewrite your
story.
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Language Arts- Writing

• Focus on one topic.
• Develop a plan for writing and organize ideas.
• Write several related paragraphs on the same
  topic.
• Edit (correct) writing for grammar, capital
  letters, punctuation and spelling.
• Use vocabulary and knowledge to produce
  interesting writing.

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Frequently Asked
Questions
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What type of questions are on the test?
The test includes multiple-choice,
fill-in-the-blank, short-answer and essay
questions. Other parts require students to draw
solutions and complete graphs, tables and charts.
At first students may find these questions
difficult to answer simply because they are not
accustomed to them. However, with instruction and
practice students will understand how to respond.

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How can I help prepare my child for the PACT
test?
As a parent, you can help prepare your child by
learning about the standards, working closely
with teachers and encouraging your child to pay
attention and complete assignments. We must work
within our communities to build support and set
high expectations for our children and our
schools.
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• Parents
• Read to your child.
• Ask reasoning and why questions that relate to
  the real world.
• Make sure your child sees you reading.
• Have your child take advantage of all educational
  opportunities.
• Make sure your child attends school regularly.
• Maintain regular communication with your childs
  teachers.
• Monitor your childs homework and progress in
  school.
• Become an active member in your childs
  parent-teacher organization.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and has
  a well-rounded diet.
• Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying
  at home.

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• Students
• Always be prepared for class by doing your
  homework and having the required materials.
• Ask questions when you do not understand
  something.
• Review your notes from class at home each evening
  when the material is still fresh in your mind.
• Review the sample test questions for your grade
  level.

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Can my child study for this test?
This test will measure what your child should
know at his/her grade level. The best way for
him/her to be ready for it is to pay close
attention to the teacher, always complete class
assignments and ask questions if he/she does not
understand something. The teacher will let you
and your child know other ways to prepare.
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What will the test results be used for?
The test results will be used to see what the
students in South Carolina have learned as
compared to what they should know at each grade
level. Students who do not meet standard on the
test will have a specialized learning program
designed to help them improve.
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What should we do the nights before the test?
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Things to do the night before each test

• Eat a well balanced dinner
• Go to bed early (830 at the latest)
• Eat a good healthy breakfast
• Be a cheerleader for you child
• Remember your number 2 pencils
• Wear comfortable clothes and bring a snack
• Arrive on time
• Give your child extra down time at home
• Encourage your child to do their best
• Dont forget to celebrate when its over

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Helpful Practice Links
http//www.sde.state.sc.us/archive/test123/ http/
/www.eduplace.com http//www.dositey.com http//ww
w.mathstories.com http//www.bookadventure.com