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PSSA Center

The Elizabethtown Area School District must administer the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) to students in grades 3 through 8 each year. These standardized tests evaluate our students' proficiency in mathematics, reading, and writing, with additional assessments in science for grades 5 and 8. This year, the testing window is scheduled from April 22 to May 2. Makeup testing will occur the week of May 5-9.

Why is the PSSA important

The results of the PSSA provide valuable insights into our students' academic progress and help us assess the effectiveness of our curriculum and programs. It is an opportunity for us to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, both at an individual student level and within our school district as a whole. Therefore, the District encourages parents/guardians to discuss the importance of these assessments with their children and encourage them to do their best.

State-Mandated, Opt-Out Process

Parents and guardians may opt their child out of the PSSA exams only if the test conflicts with their family's religious beliefs. If the reason for opting out is not religious, it is classified as a "Refusal." Students classified as "Refusal" and not participating in testing will be counted against the school's and district's attendance requirements.

The state-mandated opt-out process for religious objections is as follows:

  1. Parents/Guardians who feel that the assessment may conflict with their religious beliefs must contact their child's building principal to schedule a meeting and review the assessment. Reviews will begin the week of April 7.
  2. Parents/Guardians must review the assessment on district property and district personnel must be present at all times.
  3. Parents/Guardians must sign the Parent Confidentiality Agreement prior to the review.
  4. Parents/Guardians may not photocopy, write down, or in any other manner record any portion of the assessments.
  5. If, after reviewing the test, parents/guardians find the test to conflict with their religious beliefs and wish their child to be excused from the test, the parents/guardians must provide a written request that states the objection to the Superintendent.
  6. If a student is excused from the assessment at the request of a parent or guardian, school personnel will provide the student with an alternative learning environment. 
  7. Opting out of the assessment will not negatively impact the individual student. However, the school's participation rate may be affected, which could, in turn, impact the school's accountability status.

Testing Windows

  • April 22 - May 2 - English Language Arts (Grades 3-8)
  • April 22 - May 2- Mathematics (Grades 3-8)
  • April 28 - May 2 - Science (Grades 5 & 8)
  • May 5 - May 9 - Makeup Testing

Questions/Concerns:

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the state assessment system, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school principal. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's education. Together, we will ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed academically.

Important Testing Information for Parents