Proficiency on the PSSA Test

Why does my son do well on the PSSA Math exam and not on the Reading portion of the test? Why does he score well on his Accelerated Reader tests, Star Reader tests, and even the Woodcock Johnson, but not the PSSA? After reviewing the PSSA test last week, I have solved this perplexing mystery.

Math is a subject that is presented in limited ways to a child of his age. The Math on the PSSA test very much parallels the practice sheets that he is assigned in his Academic Math class. On the other hand, by its very nature, reading has more room for variances. Not only are the stories going to be different from what is studied in class, but the interpretation of the story will be different from student to student. My son is a student that does not easily transfer the skills of interpretation and evaluation, but instead relies on his he does not have the chance to study the Reading and reap the benefits of the teacher/classmate discussion of the passage.

What to do with this new found information? Absolutely nothing. More prep work is not going to help. We are already working on the skills of transference, inferences, and evaluation. I am confident that we are thoroughly working with my son to make sure he learns as much as possible. Reviewing the PSSA test has confirmed that pursuing the "proficient score" will only interfere with the time needed to work on other skills that he will need in life. Proficiency on the PSSA test will not help him become successful. To all of you, I recommend reading the PSSA test so that you can come to your own conclusions about your child before the school and the government do that for you.