• TESTING DATES FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION

    PENNSYLVANIA SYSTEM OF SCHOOL ASSESSMENT (PSSA)

    In compliance with §4.51(a)(4) of the PA School Code, the State Board of Education approved, "specific criteria for advanced, proficient, basic and below basic levels of performance."

    The state's assessment system known as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) helps Pennsylvania and the district meet federal and state requirements. They are designed to serve as one data point to indicate how students, schools, and school districts are progressing on those standards to parents, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

    The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAS are taken by students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. These assessments include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

    The Science PSSA is administered to students in grades 4 and 8. This assessment includes items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology.

    PSSAs are administered during the spring according to a testing schedule set by the Department of Education. View more information about PSSAs.

    TESTING DATES

    English Language Arts for Grades 3-8

    • April 24-28, 2023

    Math for Grades 3-8

    • May 1-12, 2023

    Science for Grades 4 and 8

    • May 1-12, 2023

    PSSA Make-Ups

    • May 1-12, 2023

     

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT

    The Advanced Placement Tests are published by the College Board. Participating in Advanced Placement courses gives students an opportunity to take college-level work in high school and gain valuable skills and study habits for college. By taking an Advanced Placement Test and scoring a qualifying score of 3 or better, students can earn college credit or advanced placement status.

    AP Testing Window

    • May 1-12, 2023

     

    RESOURCES

     

    ACT

    The American College Test (ACT®) contains multiple-choice tests in four areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. ACT's writing test is optional and will not affect your composite score. In addition, ACT Test Results assist teachers and school administrators in developing and implementing more effective educational services to students.

    MEASURES

    • Understanding of English, production of writing and knowledge of language skills
    • The mathematical skills typically acquired in courses up to the beginning of grade 12
    • Reading comprehension commonly encountered in first-year college curricula
    • The interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in biology, chemistry, Earth/space sciences, and physics
    • Scale scores range from 1 (low) to 36 (high)

    TEST DATES

    All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 a.m.

    • February 11, 2023
    • April 1, 2023
    • June 10, 2023


    For scheduling and other information, visit ACT.org or contact your student’s guidance counselor.

    PSAT/NMSQT

    The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) in the United States.

    MEASURES

    • Verbal Reasoning Skills
    • Critical Reading Skills
    • Math Problem-Solving Skills
    • Writing Skills

    REASONS FOR TAKING THE PSAT/NMSQT

    • Practice test for SAT program tests
    • To receive feedback on strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study
    • To see how performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college
    • To enter the competition for scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
    • The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to be taken in the junior year, however, it can be taken earlier


    For scheduling and other information, visit www.collegeboard.org or contact your student’s guidance counselor.

    SAT

    WHAT IS IT?

    The Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) created by the College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions.

    The SAT provides colleges with one common criterion that can be used to compare all applicants. However, it is just one factor in the admissions decision. Schools consider high school GPA, academic transcript, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, interviews, and personal essays.

    Colleges and universities use SAT results for admission in specific programs and as a basis for awarding merit-based financial aid.

    WHAT AREAS ARE COVERED?

    There are three sections of the SAT: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math.

    SCORING

    The mean score for each section of the SAT is set at or near the midpoint of 500 of the 200-800 score scale.

    HOW LONG IS THE TEST?

    The new SAT is a 3 hour and 45-minute test that measures critical thinking skills students need for academic success in college.

    TEST DATES

    All tests are administered at NASH. Doors open at 7:15 a.m.

    • March 11, 2023
    • May 6, 2023


    For scheduling and other information, visit www.collegeboard.org or contact your student’s guidance counselor.

    THE KEYSTONE EXAMS

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

    TEST DATES

    • Spring: May 15-26, 2023

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