(“PSSAs”). The PSSAs, which assess
students in reading and math, are then
administered during the spring for
grades 3-8. In addition, grades 4 and 8
are assessed in science, and in grades 9
through 12, students take the Keystone
Exams once each year, starting with
Algebra 1, then Biology, and finally
Literature.
In addition to all this, depending on
the school district, teachers administer
diagnostic assessments (ex: DIBELS,
DRA) to check how children in grades
K-6 are progressing in reading. A lot of
testing? Absolutely.
Many children stress-out during tests.
Some students want to get the best
grade in the class and others are afraid
of failing. The best way to mentally
prepare your children for these tests is
to explain the purpose behind them:
schools are making sure they are doing
a good job of teaching all students.
Advise your children to try their best on
the tests, and not to give up.
Continued on next page >
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