As the second semester rolls around, PSSA’s begin to creep closer and closer. Many of you have been preparing students with the skills and strategies that they will need to be successful on these state assessments. Here are some online and technological resources that you may be able to use with your students to strengthen testing skills and strategies. Take a look over them during Christmas Break and think about incorporating some of these resources and activities into weekly lessons, centers, small group instruction etc. J Remember, many times for those “bubble” students the difference between a proficient and basic score is not how much content they know going into a standardized test but if they know how to take the test through the repetition and mastery of proper testing strategies.
K–5 - Testing Resources - http://www.internet4classrooms.com/assistance.htm - Please, Please, Please use this resource. Provided from Internet4Classrooms.net, there are practice tests, test questions, timed tests, and more!
3 -5 - Testing Resources - http://www.montroseareasd.k12.pa.us/pssa/ - Great resources with sample testing items for 3, 4, 5 grade reading and math. Also 5th grade writing.
3-5 Testing Resources - http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_assessment_system/20965/pennsylvania_system_of_school_assessment_%28pssa%29/1190526 - Believe it or not the PA Dept. of Ed. provides great resources to prepare students to take the PSSA. Find sample tests and even a “Getting Ready for the 2014 State Assessments” PowerPoint and webinar (online video).
1-6 – Math Testing Resources - http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mhm/ - Great testing practice and testing strategy practice for Math.
K-5 - Elementary Language Arts Resources - http://www.internet4classrooms.com/lang_elem_index.htm - This one is a goldmine. Internet4Classrooms.com provides hundreds of English Language Arts activities. Choose from printables, computer resources, and online resources. Provides resources organized by grade level toward the bottom.
K-5 - Elementary Mathematics Resources -http://www.internet4classrooms.com/math_elem_index.htm - Same as above but with math.
3-5 Testing Strategies PowerPoint - http://www.woodland.k12.mo.us/faculty/professional%20development%20committee/Test-Taking%20Strategies-I%20really%20like%20this%20one!!.ppt – Great PowerPoint Presentation on strategies children need to use to be successful while testing.
