Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Juniors and Their Parents

Who takes it?   The Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE) is administered to all 11^th grade public high school students in the state of Illinois. 

Is it required?  The Illinois State Board of Education mandates that students must take both days of the test in order to graduate from a public high school in the state of Illinois.  Diplomas will indicate the results of the PSAE exam: below standards, meets standards, or exceeds standards.

What does it assess?   The PSAE measures the achievement of grade 11 students relative to Illinois Learning Standards for reading, English, writing, mathematics, and science.  The PSAE includes three components: (1) an ISBE-developed science assessment; (2) the ACT Assessment, which includes reading, English, writing, mathematics, and science tests; and (3) two Work Keys assessments (Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics).

When is it?  The exam is administered on two days in April (April 23-24, 2008):

        Day 1:  Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - ACT Test - The ACT test is the required test of admission to many colleges and universities. 

            ACT Assessment English – 45 minutes (75 questions)

ACT Assessment Mathematics – 60 minutes (60 questions)

ACT Assessment Reading – 35 minutes (40 questions)

ACT Assessment Science Reading – 35 minutes (40 questions)

ACT Writing – 1 prompt (30 minutes)

        Day 2:  Thursday, April 24, 2008 - Tests designed by the Illinois State Board of Education and the ACT

ISBE-Developed Science – 40 minutes (40 questions)

Work Keys Applied Mathematics – 45 minutes (33 questions)

Work Keys Reading for Information – 45 minutes (33 questions)

ISBE-Developed Social Science – 60 minutes (60 questions)

How can a student prepare for the PSAE? 

• Take challenging, college-prep coursework.  There is no test preparation better than solid curriculum and rigor.  ACT research shows that it is the rigor of high school courses – rather than simply the number of courses – that best prepares students for college success and is reflected in higher ACT scores.
• Pay attention in class – Students will become familiar with the format of the test and review strategies and skills assessed by the PSAE.
• Take advantage of after-school review sessions.
• Purchase a test prep book (The Real ACT Prep Guide) or check one out from the library.
• Subscribe to an Internet-based based test prep program (ACT Online Prep, Personal Version, available at www.actstudent.org).
• Take advantage of tutoring opportunities during seminar time.  
• Browse www.act.org for general information and sample tests.
• Browse www.act.org/workkeys/assess/reading for sample WorkKeys tests.
• Complete tutorials and sample tests at a computer (in school or at home) using the Bridges Test Gear link from the Media Center page.
• Complete tutorials and sample tests at a computer (in school or at home) using the Skills Tutor program (www.myskillstutor.com) and Key Train program (www.run.keytrain.com).
• Actively participate in Late Start review sessions.

Test Taking Tips

1. Get a good night’s sleep.

2. Eat breakfast.  Make sure to have some protein.

3. Dress in layers.  It might be cold or hot or both. Wear comfortable clothes.

4. Wear a watch.

5. Bring your picture ID.

6. Bring a snack.

7. Bring two sharpened pencils, a good eraser, and  calculator that works.

8. Arrive early to classroom.

9. Make sure you understand all the directions.

10. Make sure to bubble in all the questions even if you don’t have time to finish.  Never leave a question unanswered.

11. Don’t look around at others while taking the test.

12. Make sure you read all the answers before selecting the best possible answer.

13. Show up for both days on time.

14. Be positive.

15. Do your best.

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