PSSA Tips for Parents

• Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning(s) of the test pleasant ones. Do not add to your child's stress.

• Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before each day of testing, and make sure your child eats properly each day of the test. 

• Make sure your child has taken any needed medication.

• Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).

• Get your child to school on time each day of the test.

• Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child that he/she is special and that you believe in him/her!

• Remind your child that the test is important. Encourage him/her to do his/her best.

• If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.

• Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess and move on.

• Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.

• Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.

• Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.

• If your child is disappointed after taking the test, reassure him or her that there will be plenty of opportunities to improve and succeed.

PSSA Practice Test Samplers

Parents can obtain test samples from the Pennsylvania Department of Education website at the following link: 

PSSA Samplers