PSAE Questions & Answers

Q: What is the PSAE?

A: The Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) measures the achievement of grade 11 students in reading, mathematics, science, and writing. The PSAE includes three components: (1) the ACT Plus Writing, which includes the ACT battery of four multiple-choice tests (English, mathematics, reading, and science) and a 30-minute constructed-response writing test with a single prompt question; (2) an ISBE-developed science assessment, and (3) two Work Keys assessments (Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information).

Q: When is the test given and who takes it?

A: This two day test is given to all juniors in the State of Illinois that attend a public school in late April.

Any students who receive special education services can receive accommodations as written in their Individual Education Plan. However, these accommodations must be approved by the state. Paperwork to request accommodations will be filed in November/December.

Q: How do we encourage the students to do their best?

A: In order to encourage students to do their best on the test, Central has also implemented and incentive program. Any student who “meets” or “exceeds” in three components listed above (Reading, Mathematics, and Science) will earn a “Meets or Exceeds Day.” A “ME Day” is a day that the student can use during their senior year for a personal day away from school for a purpose of their choice. (We encourage students to utilize this day for a college visit or other educational related purpose.) This day does not affect their attendance for the exam exemption policy.

If the whole junior class as a whole exceeds the state average in all three components, they will earn a “WE Day”. This day will be a school sponsored senior field trip or activity for the entire class. If the junior class qualifies for a “WE Day”, plans will be made for an activity before the conclusion of the senior year for the class. The student council members of the class will discuss and determine this activity in conjunction with school administration.

Q: How can my student prepare for the test?

A: In order to help Central students prepare for the PSAE, we have implemented the ACT testing cycle. Students take the EXPLORE their freshman year and the PLAN their sophomore year. These test not only help the student get used how standardized tests are given but also give an estimated score range for the test they will be taking their next school year. Students can use the EXPLORE and PLAN score sheets and test booklets to understand what areas they may need improvement on.

Central also has a two day PSAE Workshop for all juniors prior to the test. The workshop consists of seven different two-hour review sessions: two sessions in Math, two in Reading/English, 2 in Science, and 1 in Test-taking strategies. Juniors are also encouraged to get an online ACT Prep password account from the guidance department as well as checking out practice books from the library.

More information regarding the PSAE and how to prepare for the testing can be found at http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/pdfs/2011/psae/psae_prep_guide.pdf.

Additional information that can assist parents and students in preparing for the A.C.T. can be found at http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf.