Saltsburg Middle-High School Guidance Office

PSSA

         Click here to be taken to the official PSSA website.

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 and grade 11 is assessed in reading and math.  Every Pennsylvania student in grades 5, 8 and 11 is assessed in writing.

Individual student scores, provided only to their respective schools, 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 §4.51(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."
 

Pennsylvania's General Performance Level Descriptors
Advanced
The Advanced Level reflects superior academic performance. Advanced work indicates an in-depth understanding and exemplary display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards.
Proficient
The Proficient Level reflects satisfactory academic performance. Proficient work indicates a solid understanding and adequate display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards.
Basic
The Basic Level reflects marginal academic performance. Basic work indicates a partial understanding and limited display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards. This work is approaching satisfactory performance, but has not been reached.  There is a need for additional instructional opportunities and/or increased student academic commitment to achieve the Proficient Level.
Below Basic
The Below Basic Level reflects inadequate academic performance.  Below Basic work indicates little understanding and minimal display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards. There is a major need for additional instructional opportunities and/or increased student academic commitment to achieve the Proficient Level.
 

2011-2012 PSSA Testing Calendar Windows 

Assessment

Dates

Grade(s)

PSSA Grade 12 Retest in Math,

Reading, Science,and Writing

October 24 - November 4, 2011

12

PSSA Math and Reading

PSSA-M Math and Reading

March 12 - 23, 2012

3- 8, 11

4 - 8, 11

Math and Reading Make-Ups

March 26 - 30, 2012

As Needed

PSSA Writing

April 16 - 20, 2012

5, 8, 11

PSSA Science

PSSA-M Science

April 23 - 27, 2012

4, 8, 11

8, 11

Writing and Science Make-Ups

April 30 - May 4, 2012

As Needed

PASA Math and Reading

February 13 – March 23, 2012

3 - 8, 11

PASA Science

May 1 – 25, 2012

4, 8, 11

ACCESS for ELLs

January 23 – March 2, 2012

K – 12

NAEP (in selected schools)

January 23 - March 2, 2012

4, 8, 12