IEP Implications for Mandatory PSSA Field Test of Reading, Math and Writing

   The Pennsylvania Department of Education will field test the Writing Assessment in February 2005 for grades 5 and 8 and in April 2005 will field test the PSSA Math and Reading Assessments for grades 4, 6, and 7.  All school districts and charter schools in Pennsylvania will participate. 

   Since all students will be participating in these field tests, students with disabilities will participate in the PSSA or PASA and be afforded the testing accommodations routinely offered in the student’s IEP or Chapter 15 Service Agreement and in accordance with the Pennsylvania Accommodations Guidelines.  It is not necessary to reconvene the IEP team to revise IEPs for the 2004-2005 field tests.  However, as IEPs and Service Agreements are revised for the 2005-2006 school year, IEPs must accurately reflect the accommodations necessary for participation in the operational PSSA and PASA assessments in writing at grades 5, 8 and 11 and in reading and mathematics at grades 3-8 and 11.

   Upon reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Bureau of Special Education will revise the IEP to reflect federal changes. Until that time, IEP teams are required to designate the appropriate grade level and subject areas assessment on the IEP at time of revision.

Questions may be directed to:

Bureau of Special Education

Lynda A. Lupp

Chief, Division of Compliance, Monitoring and Planning West

717-783-6917