2014 PSSA Training

Overview Preparing Students and Classrooms Administering the PSSA’s Allowable Accomodations Testing Schedule Proctoring Test Pick-Up and Drop-Off Final Notes/Reminders

Preparing Students and Classrooms Inform students of importance, as well as scheduled sessions Use #2 pencils ONLY Remind students they can write in test booklets Check along with students that test booklet and answer booklet numbers match

Preparing Students and Classrooms (cont.) Have scratch paper available For all rooms and hallways, remove or cover all posters, including instructional materials AND motivational posters Use a sign for the door indicating testing is taking place Keep extra sharpened pencils available

Administering the Test Make sure students know where and how to mark answers Encourage students to keep trying Be positive Ensure students have correct booklets Read Aloud directions and clarify if necessary (but NO paraphrasing)

Administering the Test (cont.) Double-check and re-inventory all testing materials before and after each day’s testing session Testing Administrator, not proctor, must sign for tests daily.

Allowable Accomodations There are 4 categories of accommodations: presentation, response, setting, and timing By now, you should have reviewed this for your studets using the checklist at your RtII meeting

Allowable Accomodations (cont.) All students are allowed highlighters and blank paper if asked for Calculators are allowable in Grade 4 Words, phrases, and sentences are able to be read aloud only for math, writing, and science IF THE STUDENT ASKS If reading aloud, even voice inflection is a must

Allowable Accomodations (cont.) Double-check all IEP’s, 504’s, and student file checklists before administering non-allowable accommodations.

Testing Schedule Overall Dates: Math and Reading: through April 11th Science (Gr.4): through May 9th (Specific schedule being developed and will be given out when finalized.)

Testing Schedule (cont.) PSSA tests must start no later than 9:15 on testing days For unfinished students, call the Team Room (x4157) for a monitor to escort child to LGI… they are NOT to walk alone with their booklets. Students must be escorted to nurse or anywhere other then the bathroom. Bathrooms have monitors.

Testing Schedule (cont.) Make-ups will occur from 1-3pm daily Students will be picked-up at 12:50 and join the group in the LGI Late students: Before 9:15 will go to classroom After 9:15 will go to Art Room and take afternoon make-up.

Proctoring Teachers will be switching with each other to administer tests Special Ed small groups will have proctors assigned Proctors only job is to watch that test is administered within proper guidelines set forth by the state

Proctoring (cont.) Common Violations: Inadequately monitoring testing session (i.e. TA using laptop/cell phone, not walking around, etc.) Over-proctoring by giving inappropriate accommodations, reminders to individual students, etc. Do not return test materials to students if incomplete. Closed means done.

Test Pick-Up and Drop-Off Tests will be delivered at 8:45 to your room on testing days Lara and Patti will deliver Grade 3 Mike and Amanda will deliver Grade 4 Tests will be picked up each day at 11:30 by the same people. Email team leaders when students completed. When team leader emails Mike the whole team is completed we will pick up if before 11:30.

Test Pick-Up and Drop-Off (cont.) You must be in your room and ready to accept the tests You are required to count the tests each day and verify the total number; those picking-up tests will check when they receive them back

Final Notes and Reminders Closed Books= COLLECT TEST IMMEDIATELY Report any violations immediately CODE OF CONDUCT for Testers Filling in bubble MATH Red Dot Covers Cover content in hallways Electronic Devices Policy

Final Notes and Reminders (cont.) Have students use bathrooms after arriving (do not wait until 9:15) When finished, students may read only and cannot be instructional books like SF book

Questions?? Contact Lynn Cheddar with specific questions/concerns.