Wyncote Elementary School Test Taking Tips Parent Information Packet

When are the PSSA’s? April 7 – April 16, 2010 (Reading and Math 3rd and 4th grades) April 26 – April 30, 2010 (Science – 4th grade only)

Who has to take the PSSA’s? Every Pennsylvania student in 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 8th grade 11th grade

As a partner in SUCCESS You can help your child succeed.

CAN WE DO IT….? YES WE CAN!

WHAT DO THE PSSAs MEAN TO YOUR CHILD Gives your child an opportunity to show what they know Indicate what your child has learned based upon Pennsylvania standards Indicate if your child is proficient in the subject area

Preparation Wyncote Elementary School students have been exposed to the content covered on the assessments. We stress that our teachers review concepts throughout the year. To reduce anxiety, test taking strategies are also reviewed throughout the year.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR THE PSSAs TEST WEEK TIPS Be sure your child gets plenty of sleep Limit your child’s TV and video time Give them a hearty breakfast every day Speak in a positive manner about the tests Make sure the child gets to school on time Plan appointments at another time Review the PSSA CONTRACT

TEST TAKING TIPS WE ARE READY!

ALWAYS READ…. TOP TO BOTTOM EDGE TO EDGE

The Process of Elimination After you have been through all of the questions once, go back and find questions you have some knowledge about and eliminate choices that you know are incorrect. I know C isn’t the answer!

Skip, Return, Check If you finish early, check to make sure you have answered all questions.

Key Words Find key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer.

Are we communicating? Make sure you understand what the question is asking. Be sure you are responding to the question that is being asked.

Reading Passages When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for clues in other questions that will help you with those items about which you are unsure.

Math Computation When using scratch paper on a math test, double check to make sure that you have copied the problem correctly from the test booklet!

Math Computation Line up place value correctly on your scratch paper (thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) or the answer will be incorrect.

Math Computation If your answer does not match one of the choices, reread the problem, recopy the numbers, and try solving it again.

MULTIPLE CHOICE STRATEGIES Read the question carefully What is the question asking Read the answer choices Eliminate choices that are wrong Do the math and then pick the answer that best fits the choices READ THE QUESTION AGAIN AND CHECK YOUR ANSWER

OPEN ENDED QUESTION STRATEGIES Read the question prompt first Underline what it is asking you to do Respond to the question Read the response to check for accuracy. Does the response make sense? Have you responded to what the prompt asked for?

PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES Read the question carefully What is the question asking for? Show your work Make sure you write the work Write the correct units DO NOT ERASE YOUR WORK! Check your answer for mistakes

‘Twas the Night Before Testing Go to bed on time. Put a few number 2 pencils with erasers in your backpack. Solve family/friend problems before the testing date. Talk to your parents about any concerns that you might have about the test.

The Morning of Testing Think Positive! Start your day as you always do. Eat a good breakfast. Think of what you will do to relax after you get home from school. Think Positive!

Words of encouragement for students Stay calm Make us proud – show what you know! Always check your work Read directions, questions and all answer choices Try your best!

WE ARE READY!