W hat do I need to know about the English HSA?

1. What do I need to know about the English HSA?

2. The English HSA What do I need to know about the English HSA? • What does the test measure? • 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?

3. The English HSA What does the test measure? The English HSA will measure indicators of the English Core Learning Goals. It will assess application of knowledge.

4. The English HSA When is the test? The primary English HSA will be given in May. Your English teacher will give you more specific information.

5. The English HSA 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

6. The English HSA 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

7. The English HSA 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.

8. The English HSA 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.

9. The English HSA 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.

10. The English HSA What will help me during the test? • Use a pencil, not a pen. • Read and follow all directions. • Answer questions in the order in which they are presented. • Read selections carefully. • You may use a highlighter in the test booklet.

11. The English HSA What will help me during the test? 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.

12. The English HSA 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.

13. The English HSA 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.

14. The English HSA is one hurdle in your race toward graduation. Good luck!