The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is an annual assessment administered in commonwealth classrooms in grades 3 through 8, in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science (grades 4 and 8). Pennsylvania adopted more rigorous PA Core Standards in late 2013 for ELA and Math and the 2015 PSSA marked the first time the assessment was fully-aligned to the new the standards. These new, more rigorous standards aim to better prepare students for the 21st century work force.
2017 Assessment Schedule
| Assessment |
Dates |
Grades |
| English
Language Arts |
April 3-7 |
Grades 3-8 |
| Mathematics |
April 24-38 |
Grades 3-8 |
| Science |
May 1-5 |
Grades 4 and 8 |
Anchors and Eligible Content
The Assessment Anchors are one of the many tools the Pennsylvania Department
of Education (PDE) has developed to better align curriculum, instruction and
assessment practices throughout the state. PDE first released the Assessment
Anchors for Mathematics and Reading in 2004. The Assessment Anchors, like the
Standards, are dynamic documents and will be adjusted periodically.
To view the Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content in more detail, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website by clicking
here.
Please note: Students are required to participate in these assessments. Non-school travel requests that will result in student absences
will not be approved during these assessment dates. Parental request for exclusion from the assessments must be made directly to Dr. Lloyd and must adhere to the protocol identified on page 9 of the
2016 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Handbook.
