PSAE PREP PAGE

    This site has been developed to help teachers, parents and educators comprehend the scope and sequence of the Prairie State Achievement Test (PSAE) used to measure Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).  Below you will find information on the importance of the exams, several useful links and a timeline of the testing schedule that will assist one in developing a strong base of knowledge on the subject.  This is a collaborative project on behalf of the administrative team and departmental chairpersons of James B. Conant High School to insure accuracy of understanding at all levels of our school community.

    Both days of the PSAE are very important. The test is required by law and is a reflection on the quality of the community and the schools in our community. We expect junior students to be present both Day 1 and 2 of PSAE testing. Participation is mandatory. If students do not attend, they will be required to make up the test at a later date.  You will find below several relevant links that provide additional information about the PSAE as well as practice items provided on the State of Illinois' website.

 

Links

 

WWW.ACTSTUDENTS.ORG ( This is a site where students can go to take practice tests and acts as a clearinghouse for student centered ACT information.)

TEST GEAR:  ( This is a site that you need to set up by navigating to this page first to get set up with an account)

ACTive Prep:  the Official Electronic Guide to the ACT Assessment (or ACTive Prep Upgrade) (Warning: This does not support Windows XP.)

Standards for Transition (This site helps explain how the PSAE composite scores are derived.)

Explore Plan and ACT test (EPAS) test prep booklet

How to analyze EPAS data

Sample ACT test questions (this is the test that is taken in the 11th grade)

Sample Plan test questions (this is the test that is taken in the 10th grade) 

Sample Explore test questions (This is the test taken in the 8th grade)

Test Preparation Reference Manual

Getting into the ACT (Preparation activities site for educators)

Work Keys Occupational Profiles (This site explains to students, educators and parents what the Work Keys survey can offer as career/interest guidance)

Work Keys Targets for Instruction:  Reading for Information  (gives examples of format of questions and explanation of answers for levels 3-7 on the Work Keys component of the PSAE)

Work Keys Targets for Instruction:  Applied Mathematics (this gives examples of format of questions and explanation of answers for levels 3-7 on the Work Keys component of the PSAE)

http://tp1.clearlearning.com/ISBE/  (interactive sample tests on other areas of the PSAE)

http://www.isbe.net/ils/ (Illinois Learning Standards)

Student Assessment Division (ISBE)
 http://www.isbe.net/assessment/default.ht

Assessment Item Pool: http://www.isbe.net/assessment/CDPool.htm ,   ftp://ftp.isbe.net/Assessment_Item_Pool/

Performance Assessment Definitions: http://www.isbe.net/assessment/PSAEperfdef.htm  (this site explains the difference in a student meeting standards, exceed standards, below standards and academic warning)

Prairie State Achievement Examination

TESTING TIME FRAME
(PSAE)

 

Beginning in spring 2005, the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) will measure the achievement of grade 11 students relative to the Illinois Learning Standards for reading, mathematics, and science.

The PSAE includes three components: (1) an ISBE-developed science assessment; (2) the ACT Assessment, which includes reading, English, mathematics, and science tests; and (3) two Work Keys assessments (Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics).

The PSAE is comprised of the following.

Day 1: ACT Assessment English – 45 minutes (75 questions)
  ACT Assessment Mathematics – 60 minutes (60 questions)
    [15-minute break]
  ACT Assessment Reading – 35 minutes (40 questions)
  ACT Assessment Science Reasoning – 35 minutes (40 questions)
   
Day 2: 
  ISBE-Developed Science – 40 minutes (45 questions)
    [15-minute break]
  Work Keys Applied Mathematics – 45 minutes (33 questions)
  Work Keys Reading for Information – 45 minutes (33 questions)
 
 

 

      This site will be continually updated.  If you find any inaccurate information or are having trouble navigating to the links please email me immediately so we can make the necessary corrections.  I also strongly encourage any feedback regarding content, format or additions that would make this site more useful.

Sincerely,

E. LeBlanc