Pennsylvania System of School Assessment

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The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a standardised test administered to public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. Students in grades 3,4, 5, 6,7, 8, and 11 are assessed in reading skills and mathematics. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed in writing skills. As of 2008 students will also be assessed in skills relating to the natural science, primarily in the field of data interpretation and analysis.

Contents 1 Scoring 1.1 Advanced 1.2 Proficient 1.3 Basic 1.4 Below Basic

[edit] Scoring

There are four levels on which a student may score: advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic. The Pennsylvania Department of Education defines the four levels as follows.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.