About the PSSA
The PSSA is Pennsylvania’s statewide assessment. Students in grades 3–8 take English Language Arts and Mathematics, and students in grades 5 and 8 also take Science.
What students can expect by subject
Families often want to know what each assessment looks like and how students can prepare.
ELA is given in grades 3–8 and includes reading, vocabulary, written response, and evidence-based thinking. Grade 3 includes short-answer items, while grades 4–8 include Text-Dependent Analysis writing tasks.
Math is given in grades 3–8 and includes multiple-choice, technology-enhanced, and open-ended questions. Grade 3 is fully non-calculator. In grades 4–8, only parts of the assessment allow calculator use.
Science is given in grades 5 and 8. The 2025 STEELS-aligned design includes autoscored items and open-ended responses across life science, physical science, earth and space science, and technology/engineering.
Guidance for families
Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping students feel prepared and confident during testing season.
How families can help at home
- Make sure your child gets a full night of sleep before each testing day.
- Help your child arrive on time and attend school consistently during the testing window.
- Review school reminders about testing dates, materials, and device rules.
- Encourage students to do their best without making testing feel stressful.
- Ask teachers or counselors about support if your child is anxious or needs extra help.
What students should do before testing
Students should use classroom review materials, complete any school-provided practice, and become familiar with online testing tools before test day whenever possible.
Support for students receiving intervention or MTSS services
Testing season is a good time to keep routines steady, maintain attendance, and stay in communication with classroom teachers, intervention staff, and counselors about student needs.
Parent rights and important testing policies
Families should understand both their rights and the expectations that protect secure testing materials.
Parents and guardians have the right to review a state assessment to determine whether it conflicts with their religious beliefs. Religious belief is the only allowable reason for excusal under regulation, and written requests must be submitted to the appropriate school or district leader.
Cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, cameras, e-readers, and similar communication or image-capturing devices are not permitted during testing.
The parent guide explains that students must take the PSSA in person at school. Families should plan for attendance on all scheduled testing dates and make-up dates if needed.
Parent document library
Use the buttons below to open official school and state documents in English and Spanish.
School-specific Spring 2026 PSSA dates, make-up testing information, and key reminders for families.
Open School Parent LetterGeneral parent information, testing windows, subjects by grade, parent rights, and common questions.
Open English FAQImportant guidance about prohibited devices and testing security expectations.
Open Device Letter - EnglishSpanish-language companion FAQ for families who prefer information in Spanish.
Open FAQ - SpanishSpanish-language version of the electronic device guidance for families.
Open Device Letter - SpanishPerformance-level score bands for PSSA subjects and grade levels.
Open Cut ScoresDetailed test-design information for English Language Arts across grades 3–8.
Open ELA Test DesignDetailed test-design information for Mathematics across grades 3–8.
Open Math Test DesignSTEELS-aligned Science test-design information for grades 5 and 8.
Open Science Test DesignIf your school has a local calculator policy or additional testing support documents, this section is also a good place to add them.
Scores and performance levels
Student results are typically reported in four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced.
Schools use results to understand student strengths and needs, improve instruction, and guide support planning.
Schools provide Individual Student Reports so families can review how a child performed and where support may be needed.
The cut score document includes grade-specific score ranges for each performance level.
Frequently asked questions
Below are common parent questions in a simplified, family-friendly format.
Which students take the PSSA?
Students in grades 3–8 take English Language Arts and Mathematics, and students in grades 5 and 8 also take Science. Most public and charter school students participate unless they meet criteria for an alternate assessment.
Does the PSSA affect my child’s report card grades?
No. The PSSA does not determine report card grades. It is used as a state measure of academic performance and helps schools and teachers plan instruction and support.
Can parents review the test or request an excusal?
Yes. Parents have the right to review a state assessment if they believe it may conflict with their religious beliefs. Religious belief is the only allowable reason for excusal under state regulation, and written requests must be submitted through the proper school or district process.
Are students allowed to have phones or smartwatches during testing?
No. Cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, cameras, e-readers, and similar electronic devices are not allowed in the testing setting. Families should review the electronic device letter before testing begins.
What happens if a student has or uses an electronic device during testing?
Serious consequences may apply, especially if the device is used in a way that affects test security. Families should review the school and PDE device guidance carefully.
How long are the tests?
The parent FAQ explains that ELA generally takes about 3–4 hours, Mathematics about 2–3 hours, and Science about 1–2 hours. Schools often break testing into sections over multiple days.
Where can I find documents in Spanish?
Spanish-language parent documents are included in the Parent Document Library above, including the PSSA Parent FAQ and the Electronic Device Letter.
Where should I go if I have questions about testing dates, accommodations, or support?
Please contact your child’s school office, counselor, testing coordinator, or classroom teacher for assistance.
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