When will the PSSA Exams occur?

There is a testing window that will take place in each of our K-8 buildings. Exams for our remote students as well as makeup exams will be administered during the normal school day.  

• April 19-23
  • Grades 3 & 4 – ELA
  • Grades 5-8 – Math
  • Grade 8 – Science
• April 26-30
  • Grades 3 & 4 – Math
  • Grade 4 – Science
  • Grades 5 & 6 – Math Make-Ups
  • Grades 7 & 8 – ELA 
• May 3-7
  • Grades 5 & 6 – ELA
• May 10-14
  • Make-Ups
• May 17-21
  • Grades 7 & 8 –  Algebra Keystones
  • Grades 10 – Algebra & Literature Keystones 
• May 24-27
  • Grades 10 – Biology Keystones & Make-ups

If a student is absent during a testing block, he or she will be required to make up the test during a designated make-up time that will be communicated by the building principal.

Does my student need to test?

All students in grades 3-8 will need to take the online PSSAs in English Language Arts, Math, and Science (4th & 8th grade only).  

**IMPORTANT: This requirement also applies to all Manheim Township students: students who are (a) attending face to face, students who are (b) enrolled in MT Flex remote learning and students who are (c) attending the Manheim Township Virtual Academy.  Students engaged in remote learning and MTVA will be required to report to school face to face during the designated testing blocks.  These times will be communicated to you by your building principal. 

Can my student opt out of testing?

Parents do have the right to opt their student(s) out of taking the PSSAs.   

Under Chapter 4 of Title 22 of the Pa. Code, the only basis for a parent/guardian to excuse his or her child from the statewide assessments is that he or she finds the PSSA to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. Parents who wish to opt their student out of the PSSAs must follow these steps:

1. Write a letter to the attention of Dr. Robin Felty, MTSD Superintendent, and include the student’s full name, building, grade level and scheduled PSSA subject(s).  You will submit this letter to your student’s building principal (see #4). 
2. The request must state the parent/guardian does not want their child tested because the test conflicts with their religious belief; and,
3. Include a parent/guardian signature, address, email and phone number.
4. Submit this letter to your student’s building principal, prior to the scheduled administration date; this request is due by Tuesday, April 13, 2021. 

Where does my student report for testing?

MT Flex remote learners and Manheim Township Virtual Academy students should report to school at the time as communicated by the building principal in the near future. These students will be assigned to a testing time and location.   

What happens on these days if my student is NOT testing?

Face to face students who are not testing:

1. Will report to school at the regular time and complete assignments in a supervised, alternate location during the testing session.   
2. Will attend classes after the testing session according to a schedule provided by their classroom teacher(s). 

MT Flex students who are not testing:

1. Will log in to school at the regular time and complete assignments as provided by the classroom teacher(s). These assignments will be asynchronous. 
2. Will attend classes virtually after the testing session according to a schedule provided by your teacher(s).

MT Virtual Academy learners who are not testing:

1. Will continue working at home on MTVA courses and assignments.  

What happens to MT Flex remote learners or Manheim Township Virtual Academy students after the testing session?

MT Flex remote learners and Manheim Township Virtual Academy will be dismissed at the conclusion of their testing and will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian.  

Other Important Information about the PSSA Exams:

1. All students will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing during the testing and at any time they move throughout the school building (ex: hallways, bathroom breaks, etc.)
2. The PSSA will be taken on the students’ iPads.  Students will need to bring their iPad fully charged on all testing days.  Students should also bring their chargers just in case they need to charge them during the test administration. 
   1. Please note that iPads may be kept at school during testing days to be sure the devices are properly charged for the testing session. If this is the case, this will be communicated by your student’s teacher. 
3. All students are permitted as much time as they need to complete each test section.
4. Possession of other electronic devices (cell phones, smart watches, etc.) could result in tests being invalidated.  If any test material is compromised, students/families could be responsible for the cost of replacing compromised test items.

If you or your student have any other questions or concerns about the PSSA Exams, please contact your student’s principal. Building-specific information and schedules will be distributed closer to the date of the actual assessments.