JMS PSSA Information
May 2, 2021
Dear Families,
We will begin our PSSA testing on Tuesday, May 11th. Our testing days are as follows:
May 11-13 - PSSA ELA
May 19-20 - PSSA Math
May 26-27 - PSSA Science (Grade 8 Only)
Please read the information below so that you know what to expect on testing days. The schedule is rather complex and we want to make sure that everyone knows where they should be on testing days. Click on the description that best represents your family, for specific information about testing days.
Information For Families Who Have Opted Out of the PSSAs
- Cyber Cohort Families who have Opted Out of the PSSAs
- In-Person Students (Cohorts A/B/D) who have Opted Out of the PSSAs
Information For Families Who Are Participating in the PSSAs
- Cohort A/B (2 Day) Families who are Participating in the PSSAs
- Cyber Cohort Families who are Participating in the PSSAs
- Cohort D (5 Day) Families who are Participating in the PSSAs
Summary
If your family has opted out of the assessments, your child will stay home during the testing sessions. They are welcome to join us in-person on non-testing days and after the testing sessions (10:30 a.m or 11:00 a.m.). They are also welcome to stay at home and log in PV on testing days.
If your family is participating in the assessments, your child will be physically present at JMS during the testing sessions. Children who are not scheduled to be physically present at JMS on testing days will return home after the testing sessions are complete.
JMS PSSA Test Schedule
- May 11 - 13 - English Language Arts (ELA) PSSA - Grades 6-8
- May 19 & 20 - Math PSSA - Grades 6-8
- May 26 & 27 - Science PSSA - Grade 8 only
Testing will begin at 8:15 a.m. and will end at 10:30 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. However, the tests are untimed. Any student in need of extended time may finish later than 11:00 a.m.
This bell schedule will be used on testing days.
PDE Parent Letters and FAQs
Click on the links below to review the following documents from the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
Code of Conduct for Test Takers
Testing Tips
Though we have been exceedingly diligent with our instructional program since school started this year, and are confident in our students' abilities, these assessments may bring a heightened level of worry. While this worry is understandable, it can be minimized. Here are some easy ways you can help your child to be at their best during the PSSA test window:
- Get a good night's sleep
- Insist on a good breakfast before school
- Arrive at school on time
- Instill a sense of confidence and a desire for your child(ren) to do their best no matter how hard the tests may be
- Let them know how proud you are of their abilities and their efforts
PSSA Overview
The annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment used to measure a student's attainment of the academic standards while also determining the degree to which school programs enable students to attain proficiency of the standards. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in Science. Individual student scores, can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities, and school scores provide information to schools and districts for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning. In compliance with ยง4.51(b)(4) of the PA School Code the State Board of Education approved, "specific criteria for advanced, proficient, basic and below basic levels of performance." (excerpt from the Pennsylvania Department of Education website)
It is important to understand that these tests are a snapshot of your student's performance during a given time frame. The results may not be an indication of how successful your student has been all year. These scores are primarily used to provide administration and teachers with information that they need to guide instruction, make curriculum changes, and identify individual students that may need extra support in a specific content area.
For more information you can visit our District Website.
About Us
The Jefferson Elementary learning community has an exceptional reputation for its dedicated teachers, staff and parents working together to provide learning experiences for our children that include high expectations, a challenging curriculum and a shared commitment to provide the best education possible for each and every student.
Email: sshaw@mtlsd.net
Website: http://www.mtlsd.org/page.cfm?p=543
Location: 11 Moffett Street, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Phone: (412) 344-2167
Facebook: facebook.com/MTLSDJefferson
Twitter: @jesmelsd