Dear Parents and Guardians:
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires all school districts to administer the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in English language arts, mathematics, and science. The only choice a district can make this year is not if, but when we will administer the PSSA exams. This year’s exams will occur April 22 – 26 and April 29 – May 3. In preparation for the exams, please review these very important PDE policies to fully understand the state testing program:
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Informacion para los padres o representatntes (Espanol) (FAQ)
Assessment scores represent a snapshot in time of student performance and should not be considered the sole indicator of student achievement. Data obtained from each assessment serves as one of the tools for planning school programs, designing curriculum and instruction, and providing information to the public.
Chapter 4 of the school code provides language and procedures for parents/guardians to opt out of testing due to religious reasons. This process includes signing a confidentiality agreement, reviewing the assessment booklets, and signing an affidavit to the superintendent indicating your religious objection. Please contact your building office to schedule this process. All students who do not participate in the assessment must attend school during the testing period and be provided an alternative learning environment. Students who do not participate in the assessment will have a negative impact on the school’s participation rate. Additional information can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.
There is no provision for exclusion other than religious reasons in the Pennsylvania School Code. For parents and guardians who refuse to participate in this assessment process for other than religious reasons, we ask that you provide to the building principal in writing (an email is sufficient) the student’s name, grade level, your refusal, and reason for not allowing your child to participate in the assessment. All students who do not participate in the assessment must attend school during the testing period and be provided an alternative learning environment. Students who do not participate in the assessment will have a negative impact on the school’s participation rate. Additional information can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) website.
Thank you in advance for your support.
The Wilson School District