With the holidays behind us, educators and students in the Bellefonte Area School District are preparing for the spring administration of the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment).   The PSSA is a standards based assessment used to measure a student’s attainment of the academic standards while also determining the degree to which school programs enable students to attain proficiency of the standards.  Every Pennsylvania student in Grades 3 through 8 and Grade 11 is assessed in reading and math.  Every Pennsylvania student in Grades 5, 8, and 11 is assessed in writing.

     In 1999, Pennsylvania adopted academic standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening and Mathematics.  These standards identify what a student should know and be able to do at different grade levels.  The curriculum in the Bellefonte Area School District is aligned to the standards so that we are sure that our students will be successful not only on the assessment but in everyday life.  In order to continue to meet this challenge, the Bellefonte Area School District strives to monitor student progress and to make adjustments to the curriculum as needed.

     In compliance with the Pennsylvania School Code, the State Board of Education approved specific criteria for advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic levels of performance on the PSSA.

     Advanced:  The Advanced Level reflects superior academic performance.  The student has an in-depth understanding and exemplary display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards.

     Proficient:  The Proficient Level reflects satisfactory academic performance.   Proficient work indicates a solid understanding and adequate display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards.

     Basic:  The Basic Level reflects marginal academic performance.  Basic work indicates a partial understanding and limited display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards.  This work is approaching satisfactory performance, but has not been reached.

     Below Basic:  The Below Basic Level reflects inadequate academic performance.  Below Basic work indicates little understanding and minimal display of the skills included in the Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards.  There is a major need for additional instructional opportunities and/or increased student academic commitment to achieve the Proficient Level.

     The Spring 2006 PSSA Testing schedule is as follows:

                February 13 – 24, 2006         Grades 5, 8, & 11 Writing Assessment

                March 20 – 31, 2006              Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, & 11 Math and

                                                                        Reading Assessment

     I want to stress to you that education is a partnership between home and school.  Parents/Guardians can enhance their child’s success in school by communicating with teachers and by reinforcing learned skills at home.  In addition, the following tips may be useful for home study:

1.      Provide your child with a well lighted study area free of noise and distractions.

2.      At the elementary level, spend time with your child reading and checking for understanding.  I can’t stress this tip enough to you.

3.      Review homework with your child to assure understanding.

4.      Allow your child to take frequent breaks from homework.

5.      Exercise patience, and most of all encourage your child often.

     Working together, teachers and parents can structure a learning environment that will allow children to reach their highest potential.

                                                              Sincerely yours,

                                                               BELLEFONTE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                               James T. Masullo, Jr., Ph.D.

                                                               Superintendent of Schools

An Equal Opportunity Employer                                                                                                   www.basd.net

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