ADMINISTRATORS AN OPEN LETTER TO PARENTS INFORMATION ON TEST

							ADMINISTRATORS

                           AN OPEN LETTER TO PARENTS
                           INFORMATION ON TEST DATES
                      (Sample Letter for Reading and Mathematics)


January 20, 1999

Dear Parents,

This letter is to inform you that on February 10th - 13th, 18th - 20th, and 23rd, eighth grade
students will participate in the reading and mathematics assessments as part of the
1999 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania has been administering assessments since the 1970s. The information
obtained from the assessment serves as a valuable tool for planning future school pro-
grams, developing curriculum and in-service training of teachers, and informing the pub-
lic about student achievement. The reading and mathematics sections of the assess-
ment will yield individual student reports, as well as school, district, and state data.

The reading and mathematics assessments should challenge all students with tasks
requiring problem-solving and concept identification. In addition to multiple-choice items,
there will be tasks requiring students to write their responses in paragraph form.

For the mathematics portions of the assessment, students are permitted to use calcula-
tors. For the reading assessment, students are permitted to use a dictionary, thesaurus
and/or electronic spell checker. If your child does not have access to these aids, contact
your school to check for availability.

Parents may help their children prepare for the assessment by encouraging them to get
plenty of sleep the night before and providing them with a good breakfast on the morn-
ing of the assessment. Also, parents can reassure children that the assessment gives
them an opportunity to demonstrate their learning and help teachers plan the best possi-
ble instruction for them.


Sincerely,


Principal




PARTNERING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS                                                         PAGE 41