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Pennsylvania System Of School Assessment
The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 required states to develop standards for what a child should know and learn at all grade levels. As such, the Commonwealth developed the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) to measure student proficiency against the newly created academic standards. testing

Local school districts are mandated to administer the PSSA to select grade levels each year in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing, and science. The PSSA Testing Calendar for the 2011-12 school year is broken out into two windows (Fall and Spring) and was established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The 2011-2012 testing schedule is as follows:

Re-Test Math, Reading & Writing
  • October 24, 2011 - November 4, 2011
  • Grade 12 only

Mathematics and Reading
  • March 12-23, 2012
  • Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 11

Writing
  • April 16-20, 2012
  • Grades 5, 8, & 11

Science
  • April 23 - 27, 2012
  • Grades 4, 8, & 11

The PSSA allows each individual student, his/her parents, and the school district to measure proficiency against the state-established academic standards in the four respective areas. Individual scores for each student will be reported to both parents and the District. As in the past, the reports provided by the state will reflect broad-based information that is valuable in evaluating the success of programs. PSSA results are also used to determine the District’s overall progress toward meeting state-established adequate yearly progress standards. Teachers prepare students for these tests all year long by teaching Elizabethtown's curriculum, which is directly related to the state standards and by using PSSA testing format.  Parents and guardians can help the District and their child by stressing to their son or daughter the importance of trying his or her best on the exam. Parents and guardians should also ensure that their child gets a good night's sleep and begins each day with a nutritious breakfast.

Please note that only a small number of Pennsylvania students may be excused from the testing. Parental excusal is limited to those items which conflict with family religious beliefs. If you have any questions about the state assessment system, please contact your school principal.
Last Modified on February 19, 2008
Last Modified on March 6, 2008