PSAE
Prairie State Achievement Exams
April 28 and April 29, 2010
This testing is required of all juniors (11th graders)
in Illinois.
| Testing Dates and Time | Study Sessions at Urbana HS |
| Instructions for Test Days | Sample Questions and Examples |
| ACT Testing Tips | Why is this important? FAQ's |
| Day 1 Wednesday |
ACT English – 45 minutes (75 questions) |
| Day 2 Thursday |
ISBE-Developed Science – 40 minutes (45 questions) WorkKeys Applied Mathematics – 45 minutes (33 questions) [required 15-minute break] WorkKeys Reading for Information – 45 minutes (33 questions) |
| Any students missing
any or all of Day 1 or Day 2 testing will be tested on May
12 and May 13, 2010. |
14-Session Course from "Better Test Scores"
Urbana High School is offering an ACT prep program as a 14 session course offered to juniors that is designed to improve students’ scores on the ACT. This prep class will be Mr. Jason Franklin of "Better Test Scores." Mr. Franklin has many years of experience in preparing students for the ACT. By becoming familiar with the ACT format and material, and learning testing strategies, students will have confidence and knowledge to succeed on the ACT.
The class at UHS is offered to students at a reduced cost..
Information on this special test prep opportunity for Urbana juniors was sent to the homes of all Juniors.
*******************
Return to PSAE page contents
Practice questions and information on the testing can be found at the following
locations:
(links will open in a new browser window)
Day 1
ACT (Practice
questions here.)
ACT testing tips by section are available by clicking here.
ACT Writing test tips can be found here.
Detailed information on the ACT Writing (suggestions for practice, sample
prompt and essays, FAQ's, etc) is here.
Day 2
ISBE-developed Science Assessment (no on-line sample available at this time)
WorkKeys Reading for Information (test will cover levels 3 - 7)
WorkKeys
Mathematics (test will cover levels 3 - 7)
DO NOT BRING the following items into the testing area:
Carefully read the instructions on the cover of the test booklet.
Read the directions for each section carefully.
Read each question carefully.
Pace yourself—don't spend too much time on a single passage or question.
Use a soft lead (No. 2) pencil with a good eraser; do not use a mechanical pencil.
Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones.
On difficult questions, eliminate as many incorrect answers as you can, then make an educated guess among those remaining.
Answer every question. Your scores on the multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.
Review your work. If you finish a test before time is up, go back and check your work.
Mark your answers neatly. If you erase, erase completely.
Do not mark or alter any ovals on a test after time has been called or you will be disqualified from the exam.*ACT testing tips by section are available by clicking here.
Why is PSAE important?
FAQ's
Do I really have to take this?
Yes! If you are classified as an 11th grader OR you are a 12th grader who has not taken the test, you must take it. No PSAE, no graduation. State law requires students to have taken the test in order to graduate.How can I prepare?
Use the materials and information handed out to you by the guidance and counseling staff.
Attend the free study sessions at the school.
Use the online review sources listed above.
Get your rest, arrive on time, be prepared, and do your best!What happens if I miss all or part of one or both days of testing?
You must then take that entire day's testing on the make-up day(s).I have an appointment scheduled. What do I do?
Re-schedule the appointment if at all possible. Otherwise you're on make-up testing.I have an IEP. Do I still take the PSAE?
Students with special accommodations regarding testing written into their IEP's will be testing in different rooms. Resource teachers will inform their students of special accommodations. The "rules" (dates, start time, prohibited/allow items, etc.) are the same for all students.May I use the calculator on my cell phone?
No. No cell phones in the testing room.Do I have to register for this test? Pay for it?
No. All paperwork is filled out a the school. The State of Illinois covers the cost (a $43 savings for students).I already signed up for the ACT given earlier in April. Now what?
It is fine if you take the ACT given on a Saturday in early April. You will still need the ACT given at the school. Many students take the ACT twice for the sake of having more than one score. Colleges use the best score.Does this ACT include the Writing portion?
Yes! The Writing section is included.
Do we get to leave school (go home) after testing on these days?
No. The first day's testing should end so that all juniors have 6th hour lunch, then return for hour 7/8.
The second day should end in order for all juniors to go to 4th hour and continue a normal schedule.Will colleges accept my scores?
Yes, colleges do accept the ACT scores from this testing. Be sure you know which schools you wish to receive your scores.I hope to play college sports. Will the NCAA accept this ACT score?
Yes! The NCAA does accept the scores from state testing. This is a recent change to their policy.I already took or signed up for another ACT date. Now what?
It's fine to have more than one ACT score. Colleges use your best score. Do your best on all test dates.