WELCOME TO OUR Test-Taking Strategy Breakfast 3 rd,4 th,& 5 th Grades Presented by: Heather Hauser and Randy Rybak

Feeling a bit uneasy about the PSSA?

What is a standardized test? PSSA or Terra Nova A standardized test is a test that is administered and scored in a consistent, or "standard", manner. Standardized tests are designed in such a way that the questions, conditions for administering, scoring procedures, and interpretations are consistent and are administered and scored in a predetermined, standard manner.

Purpose of Standardized Tests 1.Provide an understanding of student performance in meeting academic standards 2.Provide results to schools for the development of strategic plans and to address students’ needs. 3.Provide information on school performance. Disaggregated Data (subgroups)

Definitions of Performance in Standardized Testing There are 4 levels of performance. 1.Advanced Level – Superior Performance 2. Proficient Level – Satisfactory Performance 3.Basic Level – Below Standard 4.Below Basic Level – Inadequate Performance

Testing Dates 2013 Highlands School District (PSSA) Testing windows: Grades 3,4,& 5 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th grade Reading and Math March Make-up testing built in. Writing 5 th Grade March Science 4 th Grade April Make-ups April 29 – May 3.

Testing Dates 2013 Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (Terra Nova) Testing windows: Levels 3,4,& 5 April 8 th – April 19 th

The Make-up of the Test The test will be given according to the testing window timeline which includes make-up tests Blocks of time are set aside so that students have an adequate amount of time to complete the tests All children can receive extended time the day of the test if necessary.

Types of Standardized Test Questions Multiple Choice is a form of assessment in which respondents are asked to select the best possible answer (or answers) out of the choices from a list. Open-Ended questions are unstructured questions in which possible answers are not suggested, and the student answers it in his or her own words.

Open-Ended Questioning EXAMPLE In Math

What Is an Open-Ended Item? An open-ended math item asks students to solve a multi-step problem and explain WHY they chose each step. Students need to follow directions.

The Directions For full credit, you must do the following: 1.Show each step of your math work 2.Explain why you did each step if asked. 3.Accurately solve the problem. 4.Label units correctly. 5.Restate the question asked.

Sample Open Ended Question One stamp costs 34 cents. How much change should be received when paying for 12 stamps with a $5 bill? Explain why each step was done. Now you try it!

Explanation Encourage students to EXPLAIN their work - not DESCRIBE it A correct answer does not always mean a correct response. Incorrect responses 12x.34=$4.08 $5.oo-$4.08=$.92 I multiplied $.34 by 12 and got $4.08. I subtracted 4.08 and got $.92. My answer was $.92 Correct response (includes why) “I multiplied $.34 by 12 to find out how much the stamps cost. I then subtracted the cost of the stamps from $5 to find the change, which was$.92.

Explanation Tips from Teachers Explain which operation was performed and what each number means Start each step with “I added…” “I subtracted…” “I multiplied…”, etc Then explain what each number represents “I added the number of Monday’s birds to the number of Tuesday’s birds…”

Some Daily Math Tips For You Talk math- have your child determine how much change they will receive when buying a video game, estimate how long a commercial will last Discuss jobs that use math. Math has importance outside of school. Practice using a calculator. Talk money… prices of cars, saving money for a purchase, discuss household expenses car payments, rent…

More Daily Math Tips When going over homework problems that involve multiple steps, have students orally explain why they chose their steps (even if they didn’t have to write it) Inquire if there is another way to solve the problem

What do you think? Do you have any math-related questions?

READING STRATEGIES

First Steps Box Title Hands Free Read Chunk It!

The Armored One The little armored one is not a fussy eater. It likes to eat such delicacies as angleworms and cutworms. It has poor vision so it uses its sharp sense of smell to sniff the bugs out and then digs for them with its nose

Highlight Who or What, Main Idea and Supporting Details The little armored one is not a fussy eater. It likes to eat such delicacies as angleworms and cutworms. It has poor vision so it uses its sharp sense of smell to sniff the bugs out and then digs for them with its nose

Write the Marginal Note The little armored one is not a fussy eater. It likes to eat such delicacies as angleworms and cutworms. It has poor vision so it uses its sharp sense of smell to sniff the bugs out and then digs for them with its nose Armored one Eat Angleworms Cutworms Smell Digs

The Gist The little armored one is not a fussy eater. It likes to eat such delicacies as angleworms and cutworms. It has poor vision so it uses its sharp sense of smell to sniff the bugs out and then digs for them with its nose Armored one Eat Angleworms Cutworms Smell Digs The armored one eats smells and digs for cutworms and angleworms.

Some Daily Reading Tips Read with your child Make personal connections to what they read Encourage your child to create their own library Provide appropriate magazines of interest (Sports Illustrated) Take a trip to the library Require your child to provide examples from the text to support a response to a question. Talk about what your child is reading at school Vocabulary Speaking in complete sentences.

Some Ideas From The Our Staff Be supportive and give positive reinforcement to your child about test- taking and school Talk with your child about school Encourage your child to ask questions Communicate with your child’s teacher often Encourage your child to commit to doing well in school Make and use flashcards (math, vocabulary)

The day of the test… Make sure they get a good night’s sleep the night before. Provide a nutritionally balanced breakfast in the morning. Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather. Help them attend school daily on time.

You can also… Stay positive!! Encourage them to take the test seriously. Reinforce that the most important thing is to TRY their hardest! Continually express confidence in and high expectations for your child! Practice test-taking strategies at home with your child.

Other ways you can help your child be successful (even when it is not testing time) Stay in touch with your child’s teacher. Read lots of different things with your children – books, magazines, newspapers, etc. Ask questions about what you are reading. Encourage your child to ask about words he/she doesn’t understand. Continually praise and encourage your children to help build their confidence!

Please encourage your children to take pride in their work and in their school!

Please continue to stay involved… we truly appreciate your attendance today and your ongoing support and enthusiasm for your children’s education!

Good luck to you and our children!!

Thank you!!!!!