The Allegheny Valley School District uses a variety of evaluation tools to assess student growth and ability.  In grades 2, 4, and 7, students are administered the Otis Lennon Student Ability Test as a group screener of student ability. In addition, students in grades 3 - 8 and 11 are assessed with the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test. Over time, the combined assessments provide sources of information regarding student performance in the district, compared to other students in the state, and compared to students in the northeast region of the country.


Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

The annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment used to measure a student's attainment of the academic standards. Individual student scores are used by the District to identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities. School scores provide information for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.

Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 is assessed in reading and math.  Every Pennsylvania student in grades 5, 8 and 11 is assessed in writing.  Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4, 8 and 11 is assessed in science. All student scores fall into four categories: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic. The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires Pennsylvania to determine annually whether schools and districts in the state make Adequate Yearly Progress, also known as AYP.According to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, students must be 100% proficient in reading and math by 2014.

The 2009-10 targets were 56% proficient or advanced in math and 63% proficient or advanced in reading. Below are the Allegheny Valley School District's 2009-2010 scores in reading and mathematics:

Testing Schedule:

The PSSA tests are administered in the spring of each school year.  Parents who do not want their child to particpate in the PSSA tests because of religious reasons must notify the building administrator in writing at least two (2) weeks before the test is to be given.  Following is PSSA test schedule for the 2011-2012 school year:

* Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test materials will be available for examination in District buildings one week prior to testing dates. Anyone interested in scheduling a time to review the test materials must contact the building principal for an appointment.

2010-2011 PSSA Scores - School Board Presentation

Information on STAR Assessments, 2012 PowerPoint Presentation