Dear Parents/Guardians,
As spring has arrived and the weather becomes more suitable for outdoor activities, it is important to keep our students focused on learning and achievements. On April 23rd and 24th, 2008, Rich South’s juniors [11th graders] will take the 2008 version of the Prairie State Achievement Exam [PSAE]. In the state of Illinois, all juniors must take the exam before they can graduate from high school. It is important that we continue to improve and meet the Average Yearly Progress (AYP) in all academic areas.
The PSAE is the state of Illinois assessment of how well our juniors [11th graders] have met or exceeded the Illinois Learning Standards in the areas of mathematics, science, and reading. The PSAE includes three components: (1) an Illinois State Board of Education [ISBE] – developed science assessment; (2) the ACT Assessment, which includes reading, English, mathematics and science tests; and (3) two WorkKeys assessments (Reading for Information and Applied Mathematics).
Our teachers have been preparing our juniors for this test since the beginning of the school year. Since January, our staff has increased its preparations for the PSAE. It is important that all of our qualified juniors do their very best on this exam. The ACT and WorkKeys are equally important when taking these exams. These scores will go on students’ permanent records, which can be viewed by colleges when requesting transcripts for admission.
I’m asking all parents/guardians of qualified juniors who will be taking the exam to make sure that their student(s) is/are present at Rich South for these two days. Also, please make sure that they are getting the proper rest at least three days prior to the exam. All parents/guardians should have been notified by mail of their child’s qualifications to take this exam. Those juniors who did not qualify to take the exam this month will take the exams next fall in October.
There will be no classes for freshmen, sophomores or seniors on April 23rd & 24th.
In closing, the PSAE will also tell us how well our students are focused on achievement and how well Rich South has prepared our students for post-secondary education. Please stress the importance of your junior student taking the exam seriously and doing their very best. I know that we have some of the best and brightest minds that pass through the halls of Rich South High School. The countdown begins now for the PSAE to show the state of Illinois and the south suburbs that we are STARS inside and outside of the classroom!
Always remember Rich South Can’t Spell S_CCESS Without U!
