In 2001 the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) introduced a new standardized test for high school students called the Prairie state Achievement Exam (PSAE).  This test is administered to students in Illinois high schools and covers, mathematics, reading, English and science.

The test is given in April every year. The PSAE test covers three tests: ACT, which covers English, math, reading and Science, and the ISBE-Developing Tests, which covers writing, science, and social science.

The PSAE assesses four or five subjects in two different tests.  Social science is done as a single test. The exams are scored on a scale of 120 to 200 for each subject.  The score of a student is usually according to the number of questions correctly answered.  Raw scores are converted to an equated raw score.

After the PSAE examinations, ISBE convenes a panel of high school teachers, curriculum directors, post faculty members and business community to define the performance level of the exams. This is called the Angoff procedure.

The work key tests are scored according to skill levels. Here, the level of mastery of each question is very important. At least 80% correct answers are expected from every student at this level. The work keys are made up of six questions for each skilled question and 3 additional ones for pilot testing. 
The scores are reported in the fall following the administration of PSAE. Individual score reports are issued to students, and performance profiles are sent to the schools. PSAE scores appear on student’s transcripts.

Most students are required to take the PSAE test, including those with minor disabilities. However, there are specific considerations for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Study Tips and Strategies

Reading Comprehension. Here are some tips for answering the Reading Comprehension section.

Mathematics. Taking complex problems and breaking them down into smaller pieces is a valuable skill. Here are some practice questions.

Multiple Choice. Some sections of this test are multiple choice. Click here for info and tips on increasing your score on multiple choice questions.

Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE) Practice Test Questions


Practice Reading Comprehension Questions - (includes Main Idea and Making Inferences)
Practice Math Questions (General)
Basic Math (Very Basic - Long & Short Division, Multiplication, Decimals, Fractions, Percent etc.)
Basic Math II (Percentage, Fractions Decimals exponents, simple algebra, parentheses removal etc.)
Basic Algebra (Word Problems using basic algebra)
Exponents (Adding, subtracting and multiplying exponents and exponent fractions)

Everything you Need to Pass the PSAE

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