Evaluation, assessment, standardized - these are daunting words to anyone. Springtime in Pennsylvania brings up these exact words for every student. While it may seem stressful for students, they should view it as a window into their growth and hard work. Like every other school, students in the virtual setting are required to participate in testing. It is mandated at the federal, state, and school levels. We are going to review ways in which PA Virtual Charter School helps students succeed in online learning and testing - often without them even noticing.

 

Understanding State Testing Requirements

Standardized testing falls under federal, state, and school requirements. PSSA testing is mandatory for students in grades three through eight in the state of Pennsylvania. Participation in testing ensures that the state, school, and families receive accurate information about student progress. Students who do not participate in testing are automatically counted as “not proficient.” This Pennsylvania Department of Education rule is reflected in a student’s record and carried throughout their educational career. The federal law also requires schools to achieve at least a 95% participation rate in standardized tests. Therefore, participation not only demonstrates support for a teacher’s hard work but also contributes to the school’s health and sustainability in the community. It is a form of checks and balances for numerous parties involved in education.

 

So, when does PSSA testing occur for your little learner? Students in grades three through eight partake in PSSA testing. They are assessed in the areas of English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Students in grades five and eight also take a science assessment. Students who learn virtually are assessed in the same content as those in the brick-and-mortar classroom. The only difference between the models is that the content and practice were delivered through a screen. Both education models are exploring virtual testing options, along with the traditional paper-and-pencil method. In order to keep the assessments standardized, students in both assessment models must be with a proctor during the test. Students can expect PSSA testing to take place in April and May. This allows students to demonstrate a culmination of skills that were achieved during the school year. The topics taught and practiced through the fall and winter months will allow your student to be familiar with the questions on the test. Practice assessments and questions are generated from the Department of Education, along with all rules and regulations for the testing day. They can further their test-taking practice in several ways, including sample questions, IXL practice skills for their grade level, and personalized study plans.

 

Keystone testing takes place in May for middle school and high school students. This test can be taken by students enrolled in Algebra I, ELA10, and/or Biology. Students must score “proficient” on their exam in order to pass. This test provides data on student performance that can also assist teachers with specific learning plans. It can also identify students who are inclined to advanced learning models, such as the early graduation track and dual enrollment offered at PA Virtual Charter School. Similar to PSSA testing, Keystones provide insight into the school's curriculum and instruction. It opens the door to discussion on any improvement or planning that enhances the school.

 

Creating a Personalized Study Plan

When should you start preparing for PSSA and Keystone testing? At the same time, you prepare for any new learning on the first day of school. Strong note-taking skills and study habits throughout the school year will lead students straight to confidence for testing time. They will recognize key concepts and targeting skills that their teachers have reinforced from the beginning of the year. Students can take the time to review their notes and key topics from the school year. In these study sessions, they may create their own questions for peers using flashcards or Kahoots. They can search the topics in IXL to attempt a few sample questions and assess their abilities. Programs such as Wayground/VoyageMath can produce questions and practice problems in needed skill areas.

 

When employing any of these resources, be sure to take the time to review what went well and what didn't. Pull topics that were difficult. Ask for help from teachers and reattempt questions on the platforms. Students at PA Virtual Charter School can employ a wealth of resources right at their fingertips. A quick email to their teachers for additional support or questions, online office hours to work through problems, online learning plans via IXL, and sample PSSA tests on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website are all ways to prepare for testing. Regardless of the avenues, students should take breaks between their reviews and ensure they are fun, stress-free exercises. While additional practice will build stamina, it can lead to negative feelings if overdone.

 

Managing Test Anxiety and Building Confidence

I reiterate- evaluation, assessment, and standardized are words that impose stress on just about any age group. They give a vibe that things might not go well. The key is to help your learner see that they can do well. The PSSA and Keystone tests check in on key skills from the course of the year. It is a series of familiar topics that were built upon since September. Help minimize stress by reminding your student that nothing new should surprise them on these tests. If they come upon a question that is unfamiliar, students should take a deep breath, reread the question, and look for key details that they recognize. In math, it can be helpful to rewrite the given question. Like a well-oiled machine, the familiar routine procedure may evolve from there. Within the questions, there is likely another topic already unlocked within their mind. Other tips for stress-less testing include:

- Taking deep belly breaths

  • - Pressing feet into the floor for grounding

  • - Repeating positive affirmations

  • - Taking quick, confident stretches

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If you are interested in more information on test anxiety, check out our blog “Test Anxiety: How to Recognize and Address It.” This identifies key indicators of test anxiety along with helpful tips. Teachers, parents, and peers can support test takers by engaging and practicing a variety of calming strategies. Parents and caregivers should consistently remind their students that they are strong, capable, and confident learners. As stated above, encourage your learner to view it as a check-in in order to reduce stress. Standardized testing is a simple reminder of the topics learned.

 

Test-Day Time Management

The test procedures and time management techniques are identical between the brick-and-mortar and virtual education settings. A slight variation is seen upon arrival for testing. Brick and mortar schools administer their PSSA and Keystone assessments in the classroom. A virtual student will attend a classroom in a remote location, other than their home classroom. After arriving at their assigned testing location, students sign in and get escorted to their grade level classroom. Teachers review the mandatory test procedures and rules for each section of the test. Students are prohibited from having electronic devices in the classroom. Students in grades four through eight are permitted to use calculators on designated sections of the math PSSA test. Reviewing, discussing, sharing test items, and taking pictures of the questions are strictly prohibited. Sections of the test are timed, and students must be cognisant of the “stop” sign at the end of their current section. Scratch paper is provided for students. These notes are properly disposed of by the test administrators. Students should arrive at their testing site with their own Number 2 pencil and calculator. They may also bring a book to read quietly after submitting their PSSA or Keystone testing materials.

 

Once the directions are read and the rules are reviewed, students are off to their first question. Sections of the PSSA and Keystone tests can feel long. Similar to running a race, it’s best to jog towards the finish at your own pace. Rushing through questions will only generate more anxiety. Prior to testing, programs such as IXL can help students chip away at lists of problems, with the rewarding feeling of accomplishment at the end. During testing, students should answer a few questions then take a quick break. Stretch, take a sip of water and a deep breath before moving into another chunk of questions. PA Virtual School students will pack their own lunch to enjoy between testing sessions. All students should have a healthy meal that supports their energy levels. Foods high in sugar can cause a quick crash that makes testing harder for your student. Slip in a new, fun trail mix, DIY parfait or energy bites to put a positive spin on a long day.

 

Post-Test Reflection and Next Steps

Section complete! What next? Like anything in life, it’s best to double check your decisions. Students should not rush to hand in their booklets upon completion. Reviewing all parts of questions, double-checking answers, ensuring dots are bubbled, and erasing stray marks are keys to a successful test. This simple test technique is one that can be carried throughout their educational journey and translate to adulthood tasks.

 

Test scores will be available the following fall after testing. Depending on the school, they may import them into a student portal (such as Sapphire) or provide paper copies. These reports will show if students scored advanced, proficient, basic, or below basic in each content area. Such scores will prompt advanced classes or additional support from the school. It will also demonstrate to the state and federal government that all mandatory topics are taught at each grade level. The school’s teachers, counselors and academic support teachers should reach out regarding any needs for improvement. Plans between the school and families are generated for the benefit of your student using the targeted areas outlined from the test. Unfortunately, students can not re-take the test. They will engage in the assessment the following spring and show any growth at that time.

 

Conclusion

Standardized testing is a difficult topic. Trust me, I’m struggling just to write about it! It’s hard to see the stress and urgency in the students’ eyes. It’s important to remember that these tests hold a significant amount of value at the federal, state and school levels. While students may feel like it is a book of “unknowns,” it is actually a book of topics that they have learned (and maybe relearned) over the course of the year. Instead of a test, see it as a check-in. The scores ensure that students' strengths and weaknesses are equally communicated to their learning community. When taken seriously, they generate solid targets to help students succeed. The best way to prepare is to practice questions in programs such as IXL and Wayground. Look over questions you struggled with and ask teachers for help. Take the time during testing to chip away at sections while taking frequent breaks. And (in typical teacher fashion), don’t forget to check your work.