Greetings Panther Families,
Our 3rd-8th grade students begin PSSA testing on April 22nd. Here is this year's PSSA Testing Schedule:
English, Language Arts Testing:
Tuesday, 4/22
Wednesday, 4/23
Friday, 4/25
Math Testing:
Monday, 4/28
Tuesday, 4/29
Science Testing (Grades 5 & 8 only)
Wednesday, 4/30
Thursday, 5/1
Preparing Your Student:
Test Prep - take a practice test to help relieve stress and familiarize your student with the questions here. (Click PSSA)
FAQ Sheet - PSSA FAQ / La Versión en Español
Chromebooks & Chargers - Please make sure your child has their Chromebook AND charger each day. Students take the assessment on their school issued Chromebook.
Cellphones - The Pennsylvania Department of Education has strict rules and guidelines for this assessment. Students may not have a phone, smart watch, or other device in their possession during the assessment.
Be on Time - Testing begins first thing each morning. Please make sure your student is on time.
Charged Device: Please ensure your child’s laptop or tablet is fully charged and ready for use each morning of testing.
Healthy Breakfast: A nutritious breakfast helps students stay focused and energized—either at home or through our school’s breakfast program.
Plenty of Rest: Encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep before each testing day to help them do their very best.
Offer Encouragement: A simple pep talk, a positive note, or a few kind words in the morning can make a big difference in how your child feels heading into the test.
Keep it Low-Stress: Remind your child that the goal is to try their best. We’re proud of their hard work, and we know every student is growing at their own pace. The PSSA tests represent an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning. This collaborative message from teachers and families helps students understand that the PSSAs are an opportunity to show themselves how much they have learned. We want them to be proud of their effort and achievement. We appreciate your help with this message!
Tech Enhanced Questions - This year, technology-enhanced questions will appear on all assessments this spring. This item types allow students to utilize features such as click-to-respond, drag and drop, and text highlighting to interact with test content. All TE questions are field test questions from 2025 and do not contribute to a student's score. Online tools can be found HERE.
Review the Code of Conduct - Please review the Code of Conduct for test takers with your student prior to the start of the testing window.
Finishing Early - Students who finish early will be able to read, only (no drawing, writing, etc.). Testing classrooms must remain silent until the testing period has ended for the building.
Opt Out Procedures - If you feel the PSSA conflicts with your religious beliefs, you can follow the procedures to opt your child out of the assessments. You must schedule a meeting with your school principal, review a copy of the assessment to confirm it conflicts with your religious beliefs, sign a confidentiality agreement, and notify the Superintendent in writing that the assessment conflicts with your religious beliefs. If you plan to follow these procedures, please contact your principal as soon as possible. For more information about opting out click HERE.