Oswego High SchoolOswego High School

PSAE

2004-2005

What is the PSAE test? PSAE = Prairie State Achievement Exam Mandatory, two-day test given to all

Juniors in the State of Illinois Must start year with 13 credits to qualify Combines ACT test (no cost to you) and

ISAT test Measures your progress towards meeting

the Illinois State Learning Standards Assesses knowledge in (3) core areas

High Stakes Test Results go on your transcript for 60

years Greatly impacts your post graduation

options – College entrance, scholarships, college placements and also workplace – employers can request your transcripts

High Stakes Test

The results are a snapshot of your abilities compared to other juniors in the state.

Reflection on our school/community Regardless of your post-high school plans

– 4 year college, 2 year school, military, work world, this test is important.

DO YOUR VERY BEST!

Things to bring with you

#2 Pencils Calculator Individual needs: water/kleenex/etc No food in testing area (Snacks provided at

the break)

Other items to remember:

Be here and on time (you must make-up everything you miss if absent)

Get some sleep and eat breakfast Have a positive attitude!

How does the PSAE rate you? OHS gets results in August Tested in (3) areas: Reading, Math, and

Science Score falls in one of four categories: Exceeds Meets Does not meet Academic Warning

School Goals

All students in Meets and Exceeds categories.

Remember: Meets = 75% or Grade of “C” In order to assist your efforts and provide

additional motivation we have provided some School Incentives. After polling many of you we can provide:

Incentives/Rewards

For every Meets or Exceeds rating (3 chances) Name goes into drawing for:

Prom/Homecoming Tickets Prom Limos, Picture Packets, Yearbooks Gas Cards and Gift Certificates Free Parking

Added Incentive

Off-campus lunch passes For every Meets/Exceeds Rating you get

two “Off-Campus Lunch Passes” Punch Card could have up to “6” OCLs PSAE PICNIC – Invitations for students

that at least meet in all three categories. Picnic is during the school day!!

This Week’s Schedule Today – Report to testing rooms after break to

fill out Test Information and for short review session (Student Guide). Normal 3rd/4th Blocks

Wednesday and Thursday – Report to testing rooms by 7:45 a.m. ready to go!

There will be 15 min. breaks both days with food/drink provided

Est. Release time – Wed – 12:00, Thurs – 10:30 Must arrange your own transportation or LRC

Big Picture PSAE is important to both you and OHS We have tried to meet your needs by

providing food, incentives, and “student friendly” schedule

Demonstrate “Academic Responsibility” by doing your best and cooperating with staff and testing schedules

TESTING ROOMS

A – BEA 219 BEC – K. BROWN 221 T. BROWN - CH 223 CI – DEC 227 DEL – EC 229 ED – FL 230 FO – GON 231

TESTING ROOMS Cont:

GOO – HA 233 HE - JAH 234 JAM – KEE 235 KEM – LAW 237 LE – MANN 238 MANO – L. MEDINA 239 N. MEDINA - MUR 240

TESTING ROOMS Cont: MUS - OU 241 OV – P 243 Q-ROH 244 ROM – SCHN 245 SCHU – SO 246 SP – TIB 247 TID – WAG 248 WAL – WOL 249 WOO – Z 250

What tests do we give now?

Explore Test – Incoming Freshmen Ball Foundation – 9th graders (Oct.) PLAN Test – 10th graders (Oct.) PSAT – 11th graders (Oct.)

PSAE – 11th graders (April)

Areas of focus:

What tests do we give at OHS? What is the PSAE? The Big Picture Departmental test preparation Timeline of events Performance incentives/rewards

Who Made These Plans?

Collaborative efforts from: Department Chairs PSAE SIT Committee (with reps from all

core curricular areas) Administration

Departmental Preparation Overall Philosophy: PSAE content should be

addressed in each content area throughout the school year (not just in a crash course review session).

Each of the Core Departments should have a PSAE plan and review in place

Extra test emphasis should be given in both English and Social Studies as these are the purest Junior classes (Make time each term)

Testing Plan Timeline

Sept. – All-Staff meeting to discuss entire testing program and yearlong plans

Early Oct. – All-school Homeroom to make students aware of testing program/purpose

Oct. – Conduct Explore, Ball, PLAN and PSAT Oct.- March – Content area reviews in Core

Timeline cont. (Start this year)

After Spring Break– Media Blitz (TV4, Daily Announcements, etc) promoting test and incentives

Classroom Poster displayed about PSAE Strategies and reminders

Early April – Junior/Senior Teacher Test Proctor meeting (Wed)

Timeline cont. (Test Week)

Tuesday, April 27th – 1st hr Junior Assembly to discuss importance of test and incentives

Tuesday, April 27th – 2nd hr Junior Test Strategies Review and complete pre-test material (45/45) in testing rooms with proctors

Wed. and Thurs. – PSAE TESTS

Incentives/Rewards

Rewards should focus on the lower to middle level achievers

Rewards should be broadened and increased

Must have guaranteed rewards – No Lottos Advertise rewards on TV4, do student

testimonials

Incentive/Reward ideas

Free and preferred parking Off-campus lunch passes Prom/Homecoming/SC Tickets Limos, yearbooks, picture packets Gas cards, gift certificates, etc

Improvement starts Improvement starts with planning and with planning and

practice!practice!We must get better!!We must get better!!