The annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment which provides students, parents, and educators with an understanding of student and school performance related to the attainment of proficiency of the Pennsylvania Core and Academic Standards. These standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and Math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in Science. PSSA results can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities (The Pennsylvania Department of Education).
As part of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Keystone Exams remain as end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in Algebra, Biology and Literature. According to Act 158 of 2018, students are no longer required to only achieve proficiency on the Keystone Exams to meet statewide graduation requirements. Beginning with the graduating class of 2023, students have the option to demonstrate proficiency through Alternate Pathways. Please visit this link to view materials that will provide families with information regarding the Alternative Pathways to graduation: Act 158 Information
Parents and guardians may review PSSA and Keystone Exams if they believe they may be in conflict with their religious beliefs by making arrangements with the School Assessment Coordinator. Confidentiality agreements will be reviewed and must be signed. Parents may make an appointment to preview the exams for two full weeks prior to the start of the testing window. Requests for religious exemption must be made in writing to the Assistant to the Superintendent for Academic Operations and school principal at least two days before testing begins.
2024 Spring Testing Dates
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Assessment
PSSA ELA
PSSA Math
PSSA Science
Keystone Literature
Keystone Algebra I
Keystone Biology
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Dates
4/22-4/24/24
4/29/24 and 4/30/24
5/1/24 and 5/2/24
5/13/24 and 5/14/24
5/15/24 and 5/16/24
5/17/24 and 5/20/24
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Additionally, please review these PDE documents which provide more information about PSSA and Keystone testing: