What Are Keystone Exams
Keystone Exams are similar to the PSSAs and are given to high school students after they have completed select courses, typically in the spring. There are biology, literature and algebra Keystone Exams. They include subject content from history, geometry, chemistry, composition, biology, algebra and more.
These exams are included in Pennsylvanias graduation requirements, so its important that students study for them. Students will have assistance in preparing for the Keystone Exams by their teachers who normally begin to familiarize students with tested content earlier in the school year.
How To Prepare For Pssas And Keystones
Now that you have more information, you can learn how to prepare for these exams with some PSSA study tips! These tips can help for PSSA and Keystone exam prep.
But first, its important to understand how the test is formatted before you go into it so you know what you can expect. The English language arts section includes all three types of questions and will contain passages for students to read for some of those questions. It is important that the students attempt to answer the open ended responses so they can obtain some credit for their answers.
Even if you dont know the answer to the question, answer every question anyway, because youre not going to get points taken away for answering a question wrong, Crawshaw said. But youre not going to get any points if you dont answer the question. So at least if you answer it, you have a chance of getting it right.
The mathematics and sciences sections include open-ended and multiple choice questions. For open-ended questions, students can show their work or explain their reasoning even if the question does not require them to do so. It is important that students attempt all of the questions, answer every part of the question and to show or explain their work when possible.
Review The Textbook And Lecture Notes
Be sure that you review your lecture notes before the exam. You should start reviewing your notes on a daily basis. This will ensure that you gradually learn the information over time and don’t have to cram.
Your biology textbook is a wonderful source for finding illustrations and diagrams that will help you visualize the concepts you are learning. Be sure to reread and review the appropriate chapters and information in your textbook. You will want to make sure that you understand all the key concepts and topics.
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What Are The Pssas
The PSSAs, which stands for Pennsylvania System of School Assessments, are given each spring to students from grades 3 to 8 in Pennsylvania to test areas of mathematics and English language arts. Students in grades 4 and 8 take an additional assessment in the sciences.
For the English language arts areas, students will be examined in their reading, writing and comprehension skills. One of the most daunting sections for students can be the mathematics areas, which tests on numbers and operations, geometry and algebraic concepts, and more. Science sections include topics in natural and physical sciences, earth sciences and biological sciences.
These tests are administered for teachers to identify which concepts and skills are more difficult for students so they can improve their engagement with those areas.
The PSSAs are a diagnostic tool for schools to make sure the curriculum is aligned with state standards, not a test to determine if a student is passing or failing, said Sara Crawshaw, director of administrative services at Commonwealth Charter Academy.
These exams are part of the Pennsylvania Department of Educations core standards which offer a set of rigorous, high-quality academic expectations in English Language Arts and Mathematics that all students should master by the end of each grade level. The core standards are robust and relevant to the real world and reflect knowledge and skills our young people need to succeed in life after high school.
Get Answers To Your Questions
If you are having difficulty understanding a topic or have unanswered questions, discuss them with your teacher. You don’t want to go into an exam with gaps in your knowledge.
Get together with a friend or classmate and have a study session. Take turns asking and answering questions. Write your answers down in complete sentences to help you organize and express your thoughts.
If your teacher holds a review session, be sure to attend. This will help to identify specific topics that will be covered, as well as fill in any gaps in knowledge. Help sessions are also an ideal place to get answers to your questions.
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Take An Ap Biology Course
Those who wish to gain credit for introductory college level biology courses should consider taking an Advanced Placement Biology course. Students enrolled in the AP Biology course must take the AP Biology exam to gain credit. Most colleges will give credit for entry-level biology courses for students who earn a score of 3 or better on the exam.
How To Study For Biology Exams
- B.A., Biology, Emory University
- A.S., Nursing, Chattahoochee Technical College
Exams can seem intimidating and overwhelming for biology students. The key to overcoming these obstacles is preparation. By learning how to study for biology exams you can conquer your fears. Remember, the purpose of an exam is for you to demonstrate that you understand the concepts and information that have been taught. Below are some excellent tips to help you learn how to study for biology exams.
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