PSSA+Questions

Type Questions here:

1. In light of the results of recent studies, such as "Depth Versus Breadth: How Content Coverage in High School Science Courses Relates to Later Success in College Science Coursework, (Schwartz, Sadler, Sonnert, and Tai, 2008)", how is Pennsylvania planning on handling the vast breadth of science knowledge covered in the Science Standards, and tested on the Science PSSA?

2. What methods are used to assess the reading level of the questions on the Science PSSA? Should questions have a lower reading level so that we can be sure that students scores reflect their understanding of science and not their ability to read?

3. Will teachers from across the state be gathering to review questions for inclusion in future tests as in previous summers? If so, what is the procedure for applying to be included in this summer's group? Will any other types of test work be completed this summer that involves teacher participation?

4. What analysis has been completed on 2008 PSSA results? Can you share what the analysis has indicated? What resulting changes, if any, will be made in the upcoming test? Will the Science test will be changed in the next few years?

5. When will all resources on the SAS system for science be posted? In particular, there is at this point no information included for Physics or high school Environmental Science. Should information be provided for these courses soon (it was supposed to be posted in early February for Physics)?

6. Regarding the SAS system, should we consider the "concepts" and skills listed for each course as being what must be taught for optimal student performance on the PSSA? In other words, is this what the state recommends a course should include to be aligned to the test? Does the SAS system in total present the state recommended K - 12 curriculum?

7. Is PDE hiring a new test development company?

8. Will the new, revised Science Standards be passed and will that impact the test?

9. If someone needs to rewrite curriculum next year what documents should guide them in that work?