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April 25 & 26, 2007
PRAIRIE
STATE
ACHIEVEMENT
EXAMINATION
What is the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE)?
The PSAE is the state achievement test for all public high school juniors. It tests five academic subjects, including mathematics. The PSAE assesses the progress of high schools and individual students in meeting the Illinois Learning Standards.
What are the Illinois Learning Standards in mathematics?
The Illinois Learning Standards are descriptions of the specific knowledge and skills that students should learn in Illinois public schools. They also have a real connection to entry-level jobs and post-high school education.
There are 5 learning standards in mathematics. They are:
►Number Sense
►Measurement
►Algebra
►Geometry
►Probability, Statistics & Data Analysis
How and when will scores be received and reported?
Students will receive the PSAE
scores during the summer. PSAE scores will appear on each student’s
transcript. The ACT sub-scores are
placed on the transcript upon a student’s request.
What are the mathematics test portions?
The mathematics assessment is made
of two test
components: ACT and WORK KEYS.
| DAY 1: | The ACT mathematics
component consists of 60 multiple choice questions during 60 minutes. |
| DAY 2: | The WORK KEYS mathematics component consists of 33 multiple choice questions during 45 minutes. |
What mathematics do I need to know?
| ACT |
|
Pre-algebra (23%) Elementary Algebra (17%) Intermediate Algebra (15%) Coordinate Geometry (15%) Plane Geometry (23%) Trigonometry (7%) |
| WORK KEYS |
|
Application of mathematical reasoning and problem solving techniques to
work-related word problems: quantity, time, money, measurement, averages,
proportions and percents. |
1. Pace yourself—answer the easy
items first. Be sure you
attempt each question.
2. Read each question carefully and thoroughly. Circle key words in questions.
3. Calculators are to be used wisely. Do not use it for problems you should be able to do quickly in your head.
4. Solve the problems. Occasionally it can be worked backwards from the answer, but that may be time consuming.
5. Make sure your answer is reasonable, is one of the choices and answers the question asked.
6. If you find a question that you are not able to answer quickly, circle it and come back to it later.
7. Use logic to answer difficult questions. If you are unable to work the problem it is acceptable to guess. There is no penalty for guessing. It is important that you have an answer for every item.
8. Draw a diagram for questions involving geometric questions.
9. Be sure you bubble your answer completely. It is very important that you darken the center of the bubble. Mark your answers carefully.
10. If time permits, review your work.
11. Eat a good breakfast before taking any test.
12. If you get frustrated or panic, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Regroup and move on.
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PSAE Information |
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ACT assessment information |
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WorkKeys assessment
information |
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Illinois State Board of Educaiton |
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|
Illinois Mathematics
Learning Standards |
April 25 & 26, 2007
