PSAE
Test requirement for juniors
by Jane Butts
March 04, 2008
PSAE
Prairie State Achievement
Exams
April 23 and April 24, 2008
This testing is
required of all juniors (11th graders) in
Illinois.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 1 is a full version of the ACT, measuring English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning, and Writing.
Day 2 of the PSAE includes three components: (1) an ISBE-developed science assessment; (2) the ACT Assessment, which includes reading, English, mathematics, and science tests; and (3) two WorkKeys assessments (Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics).
April 23 and 24, 2008
Testing begins at 8:25 AM. Please be early.
|
Day 1 |
ACT English – 45 minutes (75
questions) |
|
Day 2 |
ISBE-Developed Science – 40 minutes (45
questions) |
Make-Up Testing
|
Any students missing any or all of Day 1 or Day 2 testing will be tested on May 7 and May 8, 2008. |
Grade 12 Retake
|
Day
1 |
Day
2 |
Sample Questions and Examples
Practice questions and
information on the testing can be found at the following
locations:
(links will open in a new browser window)
Day 1
ACT (test will cover all sections except
writing)
ACT testing tips by section are available by clicking here.
ACT Writing test tips can be found here.
Detailed information on the ACT Writing (suggestions for
practice, sample prompt and essays, FAQ's, etc) is here.
Day
2
ISBE-developed Science Assessment (no on-line sample available at
this time)
WorkKeys Reading for Information (test will
cover levels 3 - 7)
WorkKeys Mathematics (test will cover levels 3
- 7)
______________________________________________________________________________
Instructions for Test Days
• Get plenty of rest the night before the test and eat a good breakfast the day of the test.
• Dress comfortably. Consider dressing in layers, so you'll be comfortable no matter what the room conditions. No coats are allowed in the testing room.
• Bring #2 pencils and an eraser. Mechanical pencils are not allowed. If you wish, bring a calculator, though all math questions can be solved without one.
• Arrive at the middle school gymnasium by 8:15 a.m.
• Milk and granola bars will be available to all students at the first break.
• Girls may bring a small purse if needed.
• Use the restroom before entering the testing room.
• Your day continues as normal following
the conclusion of testing. You are not excused for the rest
of the day!
A few notes/comments regarding
calculators:
o The school does not supply calculators to students.
o Students may bring an extra calculator and/or extra batteries, but may not share them during testing.
o See the ACT site for calculator information. (lists prohibited models, those requiring modifications, etc.)
DO NOT BRING the following items into the testing area:
• Backpacks/book bags
• Cell phones
• MP3 players, CD players, PDA's, etc.
• Books (including dictionaries and magazines)
Food or drink (this includes water)
You will have a snack of milk and granola bars during the
break time in the middle of testing.
Tips for Taking the ACT
(taken from the ACT web
site at www.actstudent.org)
• Carefully read the instructions on the
cover of the test booklet.
Read the directions for each section carefully.
Read each question carefully.
Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or
question.
Use a soft lead (No. 2) pencil with a good eraser; do not use a
mechanical pencil.
Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more
difficult ones.
On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you
can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.
Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are
based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no
penalty for guessing.
Review your work. If you finish a test before time is up, go back
and check your work.
Mark your answers neatly. If you erase, erase completely.
Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test after time has been called
or you will be disqualified from the exam.
*ACT testing tips by section are available by clicking here.
Why is PSAE important?
- It is REQUIRED for graduation from public high schools in Illinois. All juniors MUST take it.
- Scores are reported individually and as a group. That means that each student receives scores on how he/she performed. The school and the state get those scores plus scores for the whole group of juniors as well as subsets within that group.
- The PSAE measures the achievement of grade 11 students relative to the Illinois Learning Standards for reading, mathematics, and science.
- No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requires that progress is made on a yearly basis. This impacts school funding. These scores determine those outcomes.
- Scores from the ACT portion of the PSAE can be used by students applying to college. This is a complete ACT, and it is FREE!
- Scores from the PSAE become a part of the student's permanent transcript that stays on file for 60 years.
- Tests such as these are good feedback to the school, students, and families regarding academic performance and ability.
FAQ's
Do I really have to take
this?
Yes! If you are classified as an 11th grader, you must take it. No
PSAE, no graduation. It's state law.
How can I prepare?
Use the materials and information handed out to you by the guidance
and counseling staff.
Attend the free study sessions at the school.
Use the online review sources listed above.
Get your rest, arrive on time, be prepared, and do your
best!
What happens if I miss all or part of
one or both days of testing?
You must then take that entire day's testing on the make-up
day(s).
I have an appointment scheduled. What do
I do?
Re-schedule the appointment if at all possible. Otherwise you're on
make-up testing.
I have an IEP. Do I still take the
PSAE?
Students with special accommodations regarding testing written into
their IEP's will be testing in different rooms. Resource teachers
will inform their students of special accommodations. The "rules"
(dates, start time, prohibited/allow items, etc.) are the same for
all students.
May I use the calculator on my cell
phone?
No. No cell phones in the testing room.
Do I have to register for this test? Pay
for it?
No. All paperwork is filled out a the school. The State of Illinois
covers the cost (a $43 savings for students).
I already signed up for the ACT given
earlier in April. Now what?
It is fine if you take the ACT given on a Saturday in early
April. You will still need the ACT given at the school. Many
students take the ACT twice for the sake of having more than one
score. Colleges use the best score.
Does this ACT include the Writing
portion?
Yes! The Writing
section is included.
Do we get to leave school (go home) after testing on these
days?
No. The first day's testing should end so that all juniors have
6th hour lunch, then return for hour 7/8.
The second day should end in order for all juniors to go to 4th
hour and continue a normal schedule.
Will colleges accept my
scores?
Yes, colleges do accept the ACT scores from this testing. Be
sure you know which schools you wish to receive your
scores.
I hope to play college sports. Will the
NCAA accept this ACT score?
Yes! The NCAA does accept the scores from state testing.
This is a recent change to their policy.
I already took
or signed up for another ACT date. Now what?
It's fine to have more
than one ACT score. Colleges use your best score. Do your
best on all test dates.
