Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE)

Beginning in spring 2007, the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) will measure the achievement of grade 11 students relative to the Illinois Learning Standards for reading, mathematics, science, and writing.

The PSAE includes three components: (1) the ACT Plus Writing, which includes the ACT battery of four multiple-choice tests (English, mathematics, reading, and science) and a 30-minute constructed-response writing test with a single prompt question; (2) an ISBE-developed science assessment, and (3) two WorkKeys assessments (Applied Mathematics and Reading for Information).

Announcements

PSAE Illinois State Goals Reports Survey (Posted November 7, 2008)

Comparison of New and Old Methodology for PSAE (Posted October 27, 2008)

2008-09 Guidance – PSAE and the Receipt of a Regular High School Diploma (Posted September 9, 2008)

Availability of 2008 ACT Scores from PSAE Day 1 Online

2008 Rescore Request Information

Guidance: Illinois State Board of Education Assessment Accommodations Students with Disabilities: IEP and 504 2008-2009 School Year

Information for Illinois High Schools
This site is focused on the issues, challenges and experiences that Illinois high schools face every day. The State Board along with other professional organizations has tried to identify information that will support the work of high school educators in their vision to enhance teaching and increase learning.

PSAE Presentations

• 2009 Mathematics (PDF) (PPT) (Posted 11/24/08)
• 2009 Science (PDF) (PPT) (Posted 11/25/08)

Test Dates

Results

Interpretive Guide and Report Formats (Spring 2008)

Relationship Between the ISAT and PSAE Scale Scores

A Review of Illinois State Assessment System High School Scoring Patterns

General Information

• ACT State Practice Test Order Form (Alternate Formats) (Posted 9/4/08)
• ACT Assessment Test-Preparation Materials (off site)
• WorkKeys Test-Preparation Materials:
  • Applied Mathematics (off site)
  • Reading for Information (off site)
• Use of State ACT Tests for NCAA
• 2008-2009 PSAE Parent Brochure
  • Spanish (2008-2009 coming soon)
• 2007-2008 Overview and Preparation Guide for PSAE Day 2 (contains sample items for students)

Information for Educators

• 2007-2008 PSAE Teacher's Handbook (appendices D and E contains sample items)
• Setting Standards on the Prairie State Achievement Examination
• PSAE Performance Definitions
• PSAE Scale Score Cut Points
• 2001 PSAE Reliability Estimates
• Draft 2006 PSAE Technical Manual

Information for PSAE Test Supervisors/Accommodations Coordinators

• 2009 PSAE Test Accommodations Coordinators Training Video for Day 1 (Posted October 29, 2008)
• 2009 PSAE Checklist of Dates
• 2009 PSAE Test Accommodations Coordinator Checklist of Dates
• School Schedule and Site Options for Administration of the 2009 PSAE (includes Off-Site form) (Posted 9/16/08)
• PSAE Day 1 Accommodations Comparison: ACT-Approved and State-Allowed  (Posted 11/18/08)
• 2009 PSAE Day 1 ACT-Approved and State-Allowed Test Accommodations Procedures and Forms (Posted 11/13/08)
• 2009 PSAE Spanish Format (Posted 11/6/08)
• 2008 PSAE Grade 12 Retake Checklist of Dates (Posted 5/22/08)
• PSAE Standard Testing Requirements (Updated 8/08)
• Policies for ACT State Testing (Updated 8/05/08)
• Test Supervisor/Accommodations Coordinator Qualifications and Responsibilities (Updated 8/08)
• 2008 PSAE Training Workshop Presentation for Testing Staff (Posted 2/29/08)
  • PowerPoint
  • PDF File
• Spring 2008 PSAE Audio DVD Guidelines (Posted 2/29/08)
  • Day 1
  • Day 2

For PSAE questions not addressed on this site, please send e-mail to psae@isbe.net.

Resources