Mrs. Van’s HSPA Information

Below are websites that may be useful in learning more about the High School Proficiency Assessment and testing. High School Proficiency Assessment Language Arts PowerPoint Presentation High School Proficiency Assessment Math PowerPoint Presentation HSPA Websites HSPA Jeopardy! HSPA Practice on Moodle

October 2011 (Senior Retests) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 3 4MATH 5LAL1 6LAL2 7 10 11MATH Make Up 12LAL1 Make Up 13LAL2 Make Up 14

March 2012 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 5 6 MATH 7 LAL 1 8 LAL 2 9 12 13Math Make Up 14LAL 1 Make Up 15 LAL 2 Make Up 16

May 2012 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 14 15 BCT Biology 16 BCT Biology 17 BCT Biology Make Up 18 BCT Biology Make Up

 

HSPA Information

All You Need to Know About the HSPA

The HSPA is an exam administered statewide in March to high school juniors. It is designed to test our students’ proficiencies in Mathematics and Language Arts. A passing score of 200 in each section is necessary for graduation.

The Language Arts Literacy (LAL) Section

of the HSPA is divided into two cluster areas. Each of these clusters reflects knowledge and skills specified in New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards.

I. Writing

A. Expository Writing
Time: 30 minutes to respond to a quote, adage or universally accessible topic. (Aim for a minimum of 4 paragraphs.)

B. Persuasive Writing
Time: 60 minutes to write in response to a current controversy related to an interpersonal, school/community, or societal issue. This piece of writing may be required to be in the form of a letter, a formal essay, or a speech. (Aim for a minimum of 5 paragraphs.)

II. Reading

A. Reading/Narrative Text
Time: 50 minutes to read a previously published narrative story and answer 10 multiple- choice questions and 2 open-ended questions.

B. Reading/Persuasive Text
Time: 45 minutes to read a persuasive piece from a previously published text. They will then answer 10 multiple choice and 2 open-ended questions.

 

The Mathematics Section

of the HSPA assessment is divided into four content clusters. Each of these clusters reflects knowledge and skills specified in New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards. Each cluster consists of 10 multiple-choice and 2 open-ended questions.

I.       Cluster 1

Number Sense, Concepts, and Applications

Time: 40 minutes
Task: Students will show understanding of our number system and apply ratios, proportions, and percents in a variety of situations.

II.     Cluster 2

Spatial Sense and Geometry

Time: 40 minutes
Task: Students will recognize geometric properties, use coordinate geometry, and apply principles of measurement and geometry to solve problems.

III.   Cluster 3

Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics

Time: 40 minutes
Task: Students will determine probabilities, interpret statistical distributions, analyze data, apply methods of discrete math, and use recursive patterns to model a variety of practical situations to solve problems.

IV.    Cluster 4

Patterns, Functions, and Algebra

Time: 40 minutes
Task: Students will recognize a variety of patterns, use various types of patterns, and use algebraic concepts and processes to solve problems.

HSPA Strategies

Successful Strategies for the HSPA

I.  Answering Multiple Choice Questions

A.     Each question is worth one point.
B.     You are not penalized for guessing. Do not leave an
answer blank.
C.     Try to eliminate incorrect choices to help select the best
answer.
D.     Use the math reference sheet and the writer’s checklist for
formulas and added information.

II.  Answering Reading Open-Ended Questions

A.     The first bullet is usually "close to the text" / to apply what
you know.
B.     The second bullet is usually "beyond the text" / to extend what you know.
C.     Reword the question to create your topic sentence. Use pieces of the statement and the bullet question.  This helps you to focus and lets the scorer know what you are writing about.
D.     Frame out your answer using several text examples.  It is always good to correctly work quotes into your response.  Use 5-8 sentences per paragraph (and at least 1 paragraph for each bullet) for a full response.
E.     Close your open-ended response with a concluding sentence similar to your topic sentence.
F.      Even if you can’t answer completely, make an attempt.  These questions are scored from 0-4 points and are worth 44% of the total reading score. A partial answer can earn you some points.

III.  Answering Math Open-Ended Questions

• Read the questions carefully.
• Make sure to show all your work.
• Try to give a written explanation. Labeled diagrams can be included.
• As with the reading open-ended, if you can’t answer completely, make an attempt.
• These questions are worth 0-3 points. Therefore a partial answer can earn you some points.

IV.  The HSPA Persuasive Essay/Letter

• Time line for an hour essay:
  10 minutes to make a web/outline/list/brainstorming,
  40 minutes to write the essay,
  10 minutes to revise and edit, using the Writer’s Checklist.
• Take examples from your life, use your imagination, and/or cite magazine and newspapers to support your ideas(these “sources” can be made up as long as they sound plausible!. Be specific.
• Make sure to use supporting details, transition words and vary your sentences.
• To organize a five-paragraph essay/letter include: an introduction with a preview sentence as last sentence, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Each paragraph should have at least 4 sentences, beginning with a clear topic sentence and ending with a summary sentence.
• Pick a side and stay focused on the issues.
• Revise and edit your essay using the Writer’s Checklist. 

V.  The HSPA Expository Writing

A. You will see the same set of directions embedded in each
prompt: “Using an example from literature, history, science, film, or your own experience or observation, write an essay analyzing…”

B. Aim for a 4-paragraph response (at a minimum) which uses various cohesive devices (think- transitions!). Remember that this is all expository (explanatory) not narrative (telling a story). You will need: an opening and a closing; a well-developed, cohesive, single focus; organization and logical progression; at least two well-developed examples, using vivid details that directly relate to the prompt.