4Sight Testing
The 4Sight Reading and Math assessments are designed to resemble the Grade 11 Pennsylvania system of School Assessments (PSSA). Two basic types of data are retrieved from the 4sight assessments, an estimate of a student's performance and diagnostic data in various sub-skills or objectives. The formative data provided from these benchmarks allows the opportunity to monitor student achievement progress over the course of the a school year, making adjustments to instruction and professional development when needed.
Commonly asked questions:
1. What are PA 4Sight Benchmark Assessments?
4Sight Benchmark Assessments are quarterly benchmark assessments in Reading and Math for grades 3 to 11. 4Sight mirrors the blueprint of the PSSA and provides an estimate of student performance on the PSSA. 4Sight provides diagnostic information on PA Standards and specific sub-skills to guide classroom instruction and professional development efforts.
2. Who should take the 4Sight Benchmark Assessments?
Any student who will be taking the PSSA.
3. What is the design of the 4Sight Benchmark Assessments for Grades 9-11?
All 4Sight Benchmark Assessments for grades 9-11 are based on the Grade 11 PSSA.
Four different forms of the tests are provided throughout the year for each grade level.
The four forms are repeated at each grade level in Reading. (i.e Grade 9 Test 1, Grade 10 Test1, Grade 11 Test 1 are the same form, but open-response items are all different.)
There are four parallel forms in Mathematics per grade level. All secondary tests (12different forms) cover the same content, changing only quantities and examples from test to test.
For more information regarding the 4 Sight test : Contact your child’s guidance counselor
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
When is the best time to take the SAT/PSAT test?
Although, the best time to take the test will vary based on the student's, need's, desire, and time frame for future education, students should take the SAT Reasoning Test by May or June of the their junior year. Students could start preparing for the test as early as the summer before their junior year, but, should start no later than mid-February of their Junior year.
What is the difference between the SAT and Subject Tests?
The SAT is a three-hour test that measures verbal and mathematical skills. SAT scores are used for college admission purposes because the test predicts college success. The Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests in specific subjects. Subject Tests measure knowledge or skills in a particular subject and your ability to apply that knowledge.
How many times can I take the test?
You can take the test as many times as you want. Your score report shows your current test score, in addition to scores for up to six SAT and six Subject Tests administrations.
Which tests should I take?
To find out which test(s) you should take, contact the colleges you are interested in attending. Most colleges require the SAT I for admission and many other schools require both the SAT and Subject Test tests while others allow you to chose which tests you take. It's best to check directly with the school of your choice.
Who develops the questions?
Test development committees comprised of educators and subject-matter experts determine the test specifications and types of questions and topics that will be covered in the test.
Why do some of the questions seem "Tricky"?
The test questions are not designed to be tricky. Some questions are difficult that require careful attention and analysis. Some answers may look correct at first, but, after careful thinking are found to be incorrect.
What is the Perfect SAT Score?
The highest possible SAT score is 2400.
Are there bad SAT Scores?
Technically, there are no bad scores, but, there are colleges that may require a minimum SAT score.
For More Information regarding the SAT go to:
www.collegeboard.com/parents
PSSA TESTING
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.
In 1999, Pennsylvania adopted academic standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening and Mathematics. These standards identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. School districts possess the freedom to design curriculum and instruction to ensure that students meet or exceed the standards' expectations. Scoring levels are as follows:
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.
PASA TESTING
The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) is a statewide alternate assessment designed for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Specifically, it is intended for those who are unable to participate meaningfully in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) even with accommodations. By administering the PASA to students with severe disabilities, schools achieve compliance with federal laws and the Pennsylvania School Code that require that all students participate in the statewide accountability system.
The PASA is an individually administered test given each spring to students by their teacher or another certified Test Administrator who knows the student well. Test administration can be adapted so that even students with the most severe disabilities can participate in the assessment and receive a score. The test, administered to students in the equivalent of grades 3 through 8 and 11, consists of 25 test items related to reading standards; 25 test items related to math standards; and, for students in grades 4, 8, and 11, approximately 25 test items related to science standards. Each test item represents an authentic, relevant, and age-appropriate skill related to reading, mathematics, or science. There are three levels of difficulty for each content area. Level A contains the least complex reading-, math-, or science-related skills. Level B consists of intermediate skills, and Level C consists of the most complex skills. Like the PSSA, the PASA is designed to take a snapshot of a student's typical performance on a small sample of academic skills derived from the PA Academic Standards.
Student performance is recorded via video or narrative notes and submitted for scoring to the contractor at the University of Pittsburgh. Teams of scorers (comprised of practicing teachers, administrative school personnel, and college/university faculty) are trained to use a scoring rubric to evaluate student performance. Once scoring has been completed, aggregated results are submitted to the state for inclusion with scores from the PSSA. In addition, PASA reports are generated at the state, home district, service provider, and student levels.
For more information regarding the PSSA /PASA go to:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Division of Assessment
333 Market Street, 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Voice: (717) 787-4234
Fax: (717) 783-6642
Email: 00testing@psupen.psu.edu
www.education.state.pa.us
ASVAB
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is one of the most widely used, multiple-aptitude tests in the world, developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. Over half of all high schools nationwide administer the ASVAB test to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 (sophomores cannot use their scores for enlistment eligibility). Students may also take the test at another school or through a recruiter and may retake the test at any time.
The ASVAB consists of the following eight individual tests.
General Science
Arithmetic Reasoning
Word Knowledge
Paragraph Comprehension
Mathematics Knowledge
Electronics Information
Auto and Shop Information
Mechanical Comprehension
Students are provided with scores on each of these individual tests and three Career Exploration Score composites: Verbal Skills, Math Skills, and Science and Technical Skills. The battery takes approximately three hours to complete and test results are returned to schools in about two weeks.
The Military uses students' ASVAB scores to identify the occupations that best suit their abilities. Junior, senior, and postsecondary school students can use their ASVAB scores for enlistment for up to two years after taking the test.
For More Information regarding the ASVAB go to:
www.military.com
ACT
The ACT® test assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science.
The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.
How much does it cost to take the ACT?
The 2009–2010 basic registration fee is $32.00, which includes sending score reports to up to four college choices. The basic registration fee for the ACT Plus Writing is $47.00.
When are the test dates?
In the 50 United States, the ACT is administered on six national test dates: in September, October, December, February, April, and June.
How do students benefit from taking the ACT?
The ACT is universally accepted for college admission.
The ACT is curriculum-based. The ACT is not an aptitude or an IQ test. Instead, the questions on the ACT are directly related to what students have learned in high school courses in English, mathematics, and science. Because the ACT tests are based on what is taught in the high school curriculum, students are generally more comfortable with the ACT than they are with traditional aptitude tests or tests with narrower content.
The ACT is more than a test. The ACT also provides test takers with a unique interest inventory that provides valuable information for career and educational planning and a student profile section that provides a comprehensive profile of a student's work in high school and his or her future plans.
The ACT is a good value. As a private, not-for-profit organization governed by educators, ACT is committed to providing services at the lowest possible cost. Accordingly, the ACT provides a comprehensive package of educational assessment and career planning services for college-bound students at a fee that is lower than the fee for the competing admission test.
How often can students take the ACT?
A student may take the ACT no more than twelve (12) times total and only once per national test date. Many students take the test twice, once as a junior and again as a senior.
Does it help to take the ACT more than once?
ACT research shows that of the students who took the ACT more than once:
55% increased their composite score on the retest
22% had no change in their composite score on the retest
23% decreased their composite score on the retest
For More Information regarding the ACT go to:
www.actstudent.org
AP EXAM
Are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Each year, students around the world who want to learn and achieve at the highest level become AP students. Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admissions process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers in the world.
Why Participate?
With more than 30 courses and exams across multiple subject areas, AP offers something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons to sign up:
Earn College Credit and Advanced Placement
Receive recognition from more than 3,600 colleges and universities that annually receive AP Exam scores. Over 90% of 4-year colleges in the U.S. provide credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying scores.
Have time to move into upper-level courses in your field of interest, pursue a double major, or study abroad.
Design a college experience that suits you and gives you the flexibility to get the most out of your college years.
Stand Out in the College Admissions Process
Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.
Gain Skills that Will Help You Succeed in College
Get a head start on college-level work.
Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.
Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons
Be part of a community of students and educators who are passionate, curious, and committed to academic excellence
Engage in intense discussions, solve problems collaboratively, and learn to write clearly and persuasively.
Take courses that are developed by leading professors to reflect the level of learning happening at colleges throughout the country
How Do I Enroll?
Once you've decided to take the AP challenge it's easy to enroll.
Talk to an AP teacher or the AP Coordinator at your school about the course you want to take. Discuss the course's workload and any preparation you might need.
If you are a homeschooled student or attend a school that doesn't offer AP, you can still participate. Each year hundreds of students participate through independent study. Some states even sponsor online AP courses.
For More Information regarding the A/P Exam go to:
www.CollegeBoard.com
NOCTI
NOCTI student assessments are categorized as “Job Ready" assessments. Job Ready assessments measure the skills of an entry-level worker or an individual who has completed course work in a secondary or post-secondary career and technical program. NOCTI assessments allow students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and talents within their chosen occupational program and NOCTI’s score reports provide valuable data for program improvement and accountability requirements.
Student (Job Ready) assessments are developed using business and industry standards and most include both multiple choice and performance components. Multiple choice assessments can be administered in traditional paper/pencil format or through NOCTI’s online testing system.
For More Information regarding the NOCTI Exam go to:
www.NOCTI.org
