Pennsylvania State Testing
What families need to know!
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessments
Bristol Township School District students will be taking the Pennsylavania System of State Assessments, also known as the PSSAs. What are the PSSAs used for and why should your child participate in the assessment?
What are the PSSA's used for?
The Every Student Succeeds Act or ESSA, requires students to take state tests in reading and math every year in third through eighth grade and once in high school. In Pennsylvania, students in third through eighth grade take the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in English language arts and math. Students in fourth and eighth grade also take a test in science. High school students take end-of-course tests known as the Keystone Exams in Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, English, Biology/Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, Civics and Government.
Why should my child take the PSSA's?
The PSSAs focus on grade level material aligned to the state standards. It gives parents, teachers, and school district leaders information to make decisions that affect student achievements.
- Parents and students see how well their student performed at grade level
- Teachers make informed decisions regarding instruction.
- District Leaders can make decisons about student learning and achievement.
- State leaders can determine which schools require more resurces and/or additional funding.
Tips for Taking the PSSAs
PSSA Management Tips that Really Work:
Talk about it! Don't just brush over it with a simple “Oh, it will be fine”.
Stress that the test is only a way to check what they know.
Help your child get good sleep.
Plan healthy (and hearty) meals.
Keep your evenings low stress and low key.
Encourage them to try thier best!
Tell your child how proud you are.
When are the state assessments?
Spring Testing Season Window
2022-2023 PSSA
ELA 4/24/23-4/28/23
Math/Science 5/1/23-5/5/23
Makeups 5/8/23-5/12/23
2022-2023 Keystones
Spring 5/13/23-5/24/23
Summer 7/29/23-8/2/23
***Each school will post their specific testing dates and times.