Frequently asked questions about standardized testing

How will standardized tests be used to make decisions about my child?

The TerraNova will be used by the School District as one factor in determining whether a child is promoted to the next grade at the end of 3rd and 8th grades. Students' TerraNova results are also used in determining admission to special admission high schools and middle schools.

At the school level, principals and teachers may use TerraNova or PSSA scores to identify students in need of extra help in reading or in math. In addition, students scoring proficient or better in every subject area on the PSSA will be eligible to receive a special certificate from the state upon graduation, and in 2004, school districts will be required to place individual PSSA scores on students' transcripts.

How will tests be used to make decisions about my child's school?

The PSSA is used by the state to identify low-performing schools, such as the schools involved in the recent school reform efforts in Philadelphia. Schools' results on the PSSA and the TerraNova may also be used by the School District to determine whether a school requires special help, additional resources, or other support.

The School District is in the process of developing a school performance index that will likely incorporate scores on both the TerraNova and the PSSA, combined with other indicators such as student and teacher attendance. This index will track a school's progress and provide an opportunity to compare schools across the city.

It is likely that the PSSA will be used in combination with the TerraNova to assess the No Child Left Behind Act's requirement for "adequate yearly progress" by schools. Pennsylvania is in the process of determining a testing program that meets the federal government's requirements.

How will individual students' academic progress be evaluated from year to year?

The TerraNova, which is given on a yearly basis in grades 2-10, will be used to determine each student's academic progress at each grade level. This is in contrast to the PSSA, which is only given in selected grades and does not offer the opportunity to track individual student achievement gains over time.

The PSSA test allows the comparison of academic performance across schools at grades 3, 5, 8 and 1l from year to year. It offers a snapshot of academic achievement at key grade levels. A school's yearly variations in test results at a particular grade level may have more to do with the particular cohorts of students than the quality of instruction, especially in small schools.

Will English Language Learners and Special Education students be required to take the TerraNova and PSSA tests?

Yes, English Language Learners (ELL) and Special Education students will be required to take both the TerraNova and PSSA, with the following exceptions:

English Language Learners: The TerraNova has a Spanish language version (SUPERA) that will be used by children in Spanish bilingual classes. Other ELL students, based on English language proficiency levels yet to be determined, will be offered some accommodations on the TerraNova. The PSSA does not have a Spanish language version. Pennsylvania is in the process of finalizing the criteria for students who will be offered accommodations on the test or exempted from taking the test altogether.