ELA + Mathematics
- Literature and informational text
- Vocabulary and conventions
- Short-answer constructed response
- Math selected-response / TE
- Math open-ended reasoning
- No calculator on Grade 3 Math
Pennsylvania Assessment Preparation · Grades 3–5
Prepare for the PSSA.
Learn before you test.
The Noble Youth Academy Pennsylvania PSSA Preparation Center turns Pennsylvania's public assessment framework into an independent study pathway: learn the skill, see an example, practice it, explain the reasoning, and complete an NYA readiness check.
Choose the correct pathway
Grades 3, 4 and 5.
Different assessment demands.
ELA and Mathematics are assessed in each grade. Grade 5 also takes the STEELS-aligned Science PSSA. Grade 3 ELA uses short-answer responses; Grades 4–5 introduce Text-Dependent Analysis.
ELA + TDA + Mathematics
- Close reading and text evidence
- Vocabulary and conventions
- Text-Dependent Analysis writing
- Multi-digit operations and fractions
- Geometry, measurement and data
- Open-ended math reasoning
ELA + Math + Science
- Evidence-based reading and TDA
- Advanced conventions and spelling
- Fractions, decimals and expressions
- Math open-ended reasoning
- STEELS Science
- Engineering and environmental literacy
Current public test design
Practice the format, not just the facts.
NYA practice intentionally includes the response types Pennsylvania uses so students learn how to demonstrate knowledge, not only recognize answers.
Grade 3 ELA33–35 core selected-response / technology-enhanced items + 2 short-answer constructed responses.
Grades 4–5 ELA38–42 core selected-response / technology-enhanced items + 1 core TDA response, weighted in the state design.
Grades 3–5 Math40 core MC/TE + 3 core 4-point open-ended items = 52 core points.
Grade 5 Science39 core autoscored + 3 core open-ended items = 48 core points; STEELS aligned.
NYA preparation sequence
Six steps from instruction
to readiness.
1Learn the StandardUnderstand the grade-level concept and vocabulary.
2See an ExampleStudy a worked model before independent work.
3Guided PracticePractice with hints, explanations and feedback.
4PSSA-Style PracticeUse original MC, TE, EBSR and constructed-response items.
5Explain Your AnswerShow evidence, calculations or reasoning.
6Readiness CheckReceive an NYA readiness report and next-study recommendations.
Practice tools
Train the skills the test
actually asks students to use.
PSSA-Style Practice Test
Original NYA questions with passages, selected response, multi-select technology-enhanced tasks, written-response prompts, a timer, question navigator, explanations and a final readiness report.
OPEN PRACTICE TEST →TDA Writing Lab
Read an original passage, analyze the prompt, plan a claim, select evidence, explain the evidence, draft a response and use a 0–4 NYA practice rubric.
OPEN TDA LAB →Grade Study Plans
Each grade pathway is designed to print cleanly for parent or educator use, including skills, worked examples, response strategies and weekly preparation guidance.
START WITH GRADE 3 →Important boundary
Independent preparation.
Not the state test.
Independent educational practice: Noble Youth Academy and Rotger Research Foundation Inc. are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “PSSA” refers to Pennsylvania's statewide assessment program. NYA questions are original educational practice items informed by publicly available Pennsylvania standards, Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content, STEELS standards, test-design documents and item-type descriptions. NYA readiness scores are not official PSSA scores, proficiency levels, school grades, placement decisions or predictions of state-test performance.
Official alignment sources