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5 things to know about the Keystone Exams

Class of 2019 would have to pass mandatory tests to graduate

Larry Portzline//November 30, 2015//

5 things to know about the Keystone Exams

Class of 2019 would have to pass mandatory tests to graduate

Larry Portzline//November 30, 2015//

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The Keystone Exams, which measure students’ performance in algebra, biology and literature, were on course to be one of the final challenges for whether or not a student could graduate, starting with the class of 2017.But an amendment to the bill pushed the requirement back, partly to give the Department of Education time to find alternatives to the tests, and partly to give schools — and students — time to get ready for the change.


The legislation is now before the Senate for a final vote.


Here are five things to know about the Keystone Exams and what they mean for Pennsylvania’s students and future workforce:


1. What are the Keystone Exams?

The Pa. Department of Education created the Keystone Exams in 2011 to assess high school (and some middle school) students’ performance after they take courses in algebra I, biology and literature.The idea is to make sure schools are doing enough to help students meet the state’s standards in those subjects. Additional subjects may be added in the future.


2. How are they different from the PSSAs?

Launched in 1992, the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests are administered each spring and are based on state standards for what students should know in certain grades. Students in grades 3 through 8 take the PSSA in English language arts and math; fourth- and eighth-graders also take the science and technology exam. The PSSAs help teachers identify students who need additional academic help, and help the state to evaluate schools and teachers.


3. When will passing the Keystone Exams be mandatory for graduation?

Under the bill now before the state Legislature, starting with the class of 2019, students will be required to pass all three Keystone exams — algebra I, biology and literature — in order to graduate. The goal is to make sure Pennsylvania is producing students who are prepared to enter college and the workforce.


4. What happens if students don’t pass the exams?

Students who score below proficient on the exams are required to get additional academic help from their schools and can then retake the exams, which are offered three times a year. Alternately, students can demonstrate their proficiency in a subject by participating in a project-based assessment — an eight- to 10-week series of activities based on the same subject matter as the exam. In some cases, students who still score below proficient can graduate anyway if they meet all local requirements and receive approval from their district superintendent.


5. Wasn’t the graduation requirement going to start sooner?

The original legislation, passed by the state Senate last June, would have made the Keystone Exams a graduation requirement starting with the class of 2017. An amendment to the measure — approved unanimously by the House on Nov. 24 — delayed its implementation by two years. It also requires PDE to explore additional alternatives to the tests and gives schools more time to plan for the change. Gov. Tom Wolf has said he is likely to sign the bill if the Senate passes it.