Frequently-asked questions and answers about the PSSA are listed below. Assessments serve several valuable purposes for teachers, students, parents, school districts, and state governments. They help to identify subject areas where each student has strengths and areas that a student needs to improve.
Assessments also help to verify what students are learning in the classroom.
They provide a way to assess the quality of the curriculum and how well it is being implemented, as well as assessing the school district's programs. In at least one-third of the school districts, students in grades 6 and 9 will produce a writing sample. Since the assessment is designed to help determine the quality of the school programs, all students participating in those school programs should be included in the assessment. This excludes only a few students in special programs and those with limited English proficiency. If parents find that the state assessments are in conflict with their religious beliefs, they may submit a written request to their school district's superintendent asking to excuse their children from assessments.