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2022 PSSA
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The Brownsville Area School District will administer Pennsylvania standardized assessments according to the following schedule:

 

PSSA EXAMS 

 

  • The English Language Arts PSSA will be administered to students in grades 3-8 on April 26, 27, & 28, 2022.

  • The Mathematics PSSA will be administered to students in grades 3-8 on May 3 & 4, 2022.

  • The Science PSSA will be administered to students in grades 4 & 8 on May 5, 2022.

 

SPRING KEYSTONE EXAMS

  • The Spring Algebra I Keystone Exam will be administered on May 16 & 17, 2022.

  • The Spring Biology Keystone Exam will be administered on May 18 & 19, 2022.

  • The Spring English Literature Keystone Exam will be administered on May 23 & 24, 2022.

Please ensure that children are well rested and that absences from school are kept to a minimum on these dates.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

*Brownsville Area School District virtual learners will take state assessments onsite.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS FOR PARENTS

 

The links below contain informational documents relative to the administration of PSSA and Keystone Exams.  If you are the parent or guardian of a child who is eligible to take the PSSA or Keystone Exams, these documents will also be sent home:

  1. Frequently Asked Questions - Information for Parents or Guardians

  1. Electronic Devices Parent Letter 

This letter describes the Pennsylvania Department of Education policy on and consequences for using cell phones and other electronic devices during testing.

 

School Policy on Electronic Devices

 

As explained in the Electronic Devices Parent Letter, cell phones and other communication devices are strictly prohibited during the test administration.  The following actions will be taken if a student is found in possession of a cell phone during testing:

  • Any student who violates the ban on cell phones and other electronic devices will face a 3-day suspension at minimum.

  • A "Do Not Score" label will be applied to the student’s answer booklet and the student will have to retake the test from the beginning.

  • The phone or communication device will be confiscated until such time that the child's parent or guardian comes to the school.  In the presence of the parent or guardian, the cell phone or other device will be viewed to ensure that it contains no information or material about the assessment.

  • If items on an assessment are compromised, the items will have to be replaced. Parents/guardians and students may be held responsible for the cost of replacing the items.

State Assessments

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The Pennsylvania state assessment system is comprised of assessments and the reporting associated with the results of those assessments. The assessments include:

  • The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

  • The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)

  • The Keystone Exams (end-of-course). 

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PSSA
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) includes assessments in English, Language Arts and Mathematics, which are taken by students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Students in grades 4 and 8 are administered the Science PSSA.


English/Language Arts PSSA Grades 3-8

The English/Language PSSA is aligned to PA Core Standards. Students are assessed on their ability to comprehend and evaluate complex texts across a range of fiction and non-fiction selections. Likewise, they are asked to produce writing to address tasks, audience, purpose, and perspective. Additional skills assessed include those related to the craft and structure of language and vocabulary acquisition and usage.
 

Math PSSA Grades 3-8
The Math PSSA is aligned to the PA Core Standards in Math K-12. The Math PSSA assesses the ability of students to understand and solve complex and novel mathematical problems. Students are asked to apply mathematical knowledge to analyze model situations and relationships using appropriate tools to make decisions, solve problems, and draw conclusions. PSSA Math assessment categories include Numbers/Operations, Algebraic Concepts, Geometry, and Data Analysis/Probability


Science PSSA Grades 4 & 8
The Science PSSA include items that are aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology. Science assessment categories encompass: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth and Space Sciences


PASA
The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) is the statewide alternate assessment designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8. Specifically, it is intended for those who are unable to participate meaningfully in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), even with accommodations.

Keystone Exams
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature and Biology.

The Keystones are untimed exams, taking most students a total of two to three hours to complete the two modules on each test. Multiple choice and constructed response items are included. The following modules define the assessment components for each of the exams:

  • Algebra I - Operations and Linear Equations & Inequalities /Linear Functions and Data Organizations

  • Literature - Fiction/Non-Fiction

  • Biology - Cells & Cell Processes/Continuity & Unity of Life 

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