MSDE

1

What do I need to know about

the English HSA?

MSDE

2

What do I need to know about the English HSA?

•When is the test?•Who takes it?

•What does it look like?•What will help me during the test?

•What should I do to prepare for the test?

The English HSA

•What does the test measure?

MSDE

3

What does the test measure?

The English HSA will measure indicators of the English Core Learning Goals.

It will assess application of knowledge.

The English HSA

MSDE

4

When is the test?

The primary English HSA will be given in May.

Your English teacher will give you more specific information.

The English HSA

MSDE

5

Who takes the test?

•all students who currently are completing their second English credit

•students who are expecting to graduate this spring or summer and who have not previously taken a required English HSA

The English HSA

MSDE

6

Who else may take the test?

•all students who previously completed their second English credit successfully but who did not pass the HSA at that time

The English HSA

MSDE

7

What does the test look like?

There are three sessions:

• Each of the first two sessions lasts 60 minutes.

• The third session lasts 50 minutes.

• There will be a five-minute break between sessions.

The English HSA

MSDE

8

What does the test look like?

All three sessions will include selected response items.

• Some will be based on passages of literary merit. • Others will be based on drafts of “student-written” work.

• A few items will be independent of a passage or a stimulus.

The English HSA

MSDE

9

What does the test look like?

At least one item will ask you to read a non-print text.

• The non-print text could be a picture, photograph, poster, cartoon, etc.

The English HSA

MSDE

10

What will help me during the test?

• Answer questions in the order in which they are presented.

• Read and follow all directions.

• Use a pencil, not a pen.

• Read selections carefully.- You may use a

highlighter in the test booklet.

The English HSA

MSDE

11

Remember, it is to your advantage to respond to every item.

• Pace yourself so that you ANSWER ALL ITEMS in each session.

• Erase stray marks from your answer booklet.

What will help me during the test?

The English HSA

MSDE

12

What should I do to prepare for the test?You have been preparing all year in your English class.

• You have been reading and responding to literature.

• You have been writing, revising, and editing essays.

• You have participated in class discussions about literature, language, and writing.

The English HSA

MSDE

13

However, there are a few other “preparations” that might help. • Get a good night’s

sleep the night before.

• Eat a nutritional breakfast.

• Be positive about your performance on this test.

The English HSA

MSDE

14

The English HSA is one hurdle in your race toward graduation.

Good luck!