MES Prepares for PSSA
I. MES identified the following specific target areas in both Math and Reading.
Grade 5 Math
Probability and predictions
Geometry
Mathmatical problem solving and communication (open-ended task)
Grade 5 Reading
Reading strataegies, (before, during and after strategies to gain meaning from text)
Responding to open-ended task related to reading, analyzing and interpreting literature
Grade 3 Math
Responding to open-ended task
Grade 3 Reading
Responding to open-ended task
II. MES PSSA specific instructional strategies that we will use to increase student performance.
Practice PSSA Format - The purpose of this strategy is to increase students' comfort levels with the format of the PSSA.
Posters that explain such things as formulas, key words, and vocabulary definitions.
Following Directions - The focus should remain on following directions, with special attention paid to keywords that describe what the directions tell the students to do.
Oral Assessments - Students orally explain to the teacher or class how they solved the problem.
Students Understanding or Scoring - Teachers print samples of PSSA open-ended questions and solutions. This helps them understand how they are scored as well as how they can improve their scores.
Test Day Arrangements - Students with limited attention and distracting behaviors may be tested in small group.
K-W-L Chart - This and other concept maps can be used to help students understand the concepts of the vocabulary they are learning.
Backward Design - Give students the answer to a problem and have them figure out how the answer was obtained.
Instruction Calculator Use - Students will be given instruction on the use of calculators.
III. The strategies identified in Item II will help Martiansburg teachers and students focus on:
- preparing students to successfully respond to student's focus on math and reading areas
- preparing students to recognize and use key words or phrases that scorers look for
- providing students with numerous examples of advanced samples
- providing students with numerous samples to complete independently and in small group learning environments.
- provide students with opportunities for real life practice to increase familiarity and confidence
- teachers will use instructional strategies proven to increase student performance
- teachers will identify which problems are missed most frequently and use techniques to strengthen those weaknesses
- lesson planning that ensures all students are exposed to the academic standars being measured by the PSSA