STANDARDIZED TESTING
To comply with federal and state laws, Northeast Bradford School District administers the Keystone, PSSA, and PASA standardized tests. Standardized tests are used to evaluate the performance of students, teachers, and schools. Copies of test results are sent home to parents and maintained at the school.
Keystone tests are typically given at the end of each semester to students in grades 9-10 who have completed courses in three subject areas: Algebra, English, and Biology. Students must pass the Keystone exams to graduate.
PSSA tests are given to students in grades 3-8 in reading, math, writing, and science (grades 4 and 8).
PASA tests are given to students with cognitive disabilities.
Learn more at the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
PREPARING FOR STANDARDIZED TESTING
There are many ways for parents to help students prepare for testing. The following guidelines can help set up students for success.
Throughout the year:
Read to/with your child and make time to discuss what you’ve read. For independent readers or older students, regularly encourage reading for pleasure.
Provide a quiet place for your child to read and/or complete homework. Make sure he/she completes homework assignments.
Encourage your child to seek teacher assistance or tutoring if he/she lags behind in coursework or misses school more than 5 days in a semester.
Take an active interest in what your child is doing in school.
Avoid scheduling appointments and/or prearranged absences on testing days. (Testing dates can be found on the school district’s master calendar.)
The night before the test:
Make sure your child goes to bed on time so he/she is well-rested.
Keep your routine as normal as possible.
Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the morning of the test.
The morning of the test:
Make sure your child arrives at school on time.
Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast. Have your child dress comfortably.
Encourage your child to do his/her best.
Ensure your child understands the electronic device policy during testing.
After the test:
Talk to your child about his/her feelings about the test.
Discuss what was easy and what was hard; discuss what your child learned from the test.