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With 19 contest categories covering a wide range of disciplines, PSIA is an exciting opportunity for students to engage in academic competition with their peers throughout the state of Texas. PSIA contests span all levels from Grade 1 to Grade 8 —and PSIA is open to homeschoolers, too!
Extraordinary Education has sponsored a group membership for many years, but without a volunteer coordinator we are unable to sponsor a team this year. This does not mean that your child cannot participate in PSIA! PSIA also allows INDIVIDUAL HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES to register and participate just like a small private school. Students who do well at the District level may go on to the State tournament. It is time to register your family if you plan to participate in PSIA contests next spring. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER WITH THE STATE PSIA OFFICE IS DECEMBER 15TH!
Please check out the contest descriptions on the PSIA website at www.psiaacademics.org then register your family ASAP if your student is interested in participating. Registration tips are included below the contest descriptions.
NOTE: PSIA rules allow students to compete up to two grade levels above their current grade level but they can never compete below level. Also, a homeschooled student’s grade placement is determined according to their age on September 1st (the grade they would be in public school.) It can benefit an advanced student to compete with their age-mates in academic contests.
PSIA EVENTS OFFERED
LANGUAGE ARTS:
- Creative Writing (Grades 1-2)
Using a prompt of several pictures, students have 30 minutes to create an original story based on the pictures. - Ready Writing (Grades 3-8)
Students are given a choice between two prompts. Each prompt defines the audience and provides or implies the purpose for writing. Time limits vary by grade level. - Spelling (Grades 2-8)
As spelling words are pronounced contestants may either write or print each word. Test words come from the current PSIA Spelling List (80%) and from outside sources (20%). - Dictionary Skills (Grades 4-8)
Students use all elements of the dictionary as they learn practical techniques for extracting and applying resource information. - Vocabulary (Grades 5-8)
SAT preparation skills, including word usage, reading comprehension, and analogies, are honed through this challenging multiple choice, 30-minute contest. - Listening Skills (Grades 4-8)
Contestants may take notes as they listen to the contest script on CD, and then use these notes as they answer objective test questions in 10 minutes.
MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE:
- Mathematics (Grades 2-8)
In a multiple choice 30-minute math test students are challenged beyond their grade levels in a variety of general math questions including algebraic equations. - Number Sense (Grades 4-8)
Contestants find high-speed solutions to math problems in this exciting and challenging 10-minute contest in mental mathematics. - Calculator Applications (Grades 6-8)
This 30-minute contest develops mathematical reasoning and knowledge and requires application of problem solving skills toward realistic problems. - Maps, Graphs & Charts (Grades 4-8)
Students are challenged to obtain information from visual sources. Tests include maps, graphs & charts needed to answer multiple choice questions derived from the 2003 or newer editions of the Nystrom Desk Atlas. - Science (Grades 6-8)
Earth, Life and Physical Science information are tested in this 30-minute, multiple choice contest, which usually consists of 50 test questions.
FINE ARTS:
- Music Memory (Grades 3-8)
Students identify composers and selections from some of the world’s best known classics. Contestants write answers as they hear 15-second segments of the music and also take a 20-item test over information found in the current PSIA Music Memory Student Handbook. - Art Memory (Grades 4-5)
Students are challenged to identify the artist and the work and answer questions about the art and the artists found in the current Art Smart Bulletin (paintings are from the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D. C. and museum in Texas.) - On-Site Drawing (Grades 6-8)
Using a display still life model consisting of from 4 to 7 objects, contestants produce a rendering on regular drawing paper using any drawing media. Contestants have 45 minutes at the contest site to produce their work of art.
SPEECH EVENTS:
- Storytelling (Grades 1-3)
Contestants hear a story that they retell before an audience. Contestants will have approximately 6 minutes to retell the story in their own words. - Poetry Interpretation (Grades 4-8)
Students select, prepare and read a literary prose selection, with introduction, within a six-minute time limit. - Impromptu Speaking (Grades 6-8)
Students are challenged to organize their thoughts on a topic for three minutes, then speak for five or fewer minutes without notes. - Modern Oratory (Grades 6-8)
A challenge in writing and speaking, students prepare a short speech to examine the pros and cons of an issue (choice of 5) and defend their points of view. Contestants take a convincing stand on only one side of the issue.
For more details and rules about specific contests and events, please refer to the PSIA website links above.
Registration Information:
- Visit the PSIA website for contest details. http://www.psiaacademics.org/
- Visit the Membership page and download the membership form. http://www.psiaacademics.org/info/how-to-join/
- Select a District in which to compete. EE usually competes in 10A or 12AA. Keep in mind that the "A" schools are smaller than "AA" schools, so the competition is different. This year, both contests are scheduled for the same day.
District 10 A
Saturday, March 24, 2018
DISTRICT HOST SITE: San Jacinto College
DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Laura Yarborough – Holy Trinity Episcopal School, Houston
District 12AA
Saturday, March 24, 2018
District Meet Location: Trinity Lutheran School, Spring
District Director: Kristen Musgrove – Trinity Lutheran School, Spring - Send in your Membership Form by 12/15/2017.
- Select your events and start training! You will need to select some events on your membership form, but you have until JANUARY 15th to add or change events.
- Note that students may only compete in non-conflicting events. There are special rules for double-entry that only apply to specific events. Please refer to the PSIA Conflict Pattern Schedule (found on the PSIA website) for more information.
http://www.psiaacademics.org/forms/18-conflict-pattern/ - Please also note that families who participate are expected to fill judge/grader slots on the day of the contest.
You will be required to provide one volunteer judge or grader for every 2.25 entries. Your family should plan to fill one slot for each 2.25 contests in which your own students compete. Volunteer slots may be filled by either or both parents, another family member, friend, neighbor or even a high school or college student.
Contest Preparation:
- EE has many contest study materials available for those who would like help preparing. Study materials may not leave the EE campus, but parents are welcome to make copies for a small copy fee. We have invested many dollars in purchasing prior years' tests and other materials. We are thrilled to share them with homeschool contestants!
- Parents will need to MAKE AN APPOINTMENT if they would like to view or make copies of PSIA materials.
- Please send an email to admin@extraed.org if you would like to view study materials or you would like help preparing for the contest! Mrs. Eaton is very happy to help families with PSIA! Her sons enjoyed PSIA when they were younger and competed in nearly every event at some point. They have won numerous awards through PSIA and Michael even won a PSIA Scholarship!
