The current regulation requires that beginning with the class of 2019, students must demonstrate proficiency on the Algebra I, Biology, and Literature Keystone Exams in order to graduate. Therefore, any student in grade 10 or below during the 2016-17 school year is required to demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Exams in order to graduate.
This affirms that students in the class of 2017 and 2018 are not required to demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Exams. Also from page 8 of the Handbook:
On page 11 of the Handbook:
Because the Keystone Exams for Algebra I, Biology, and Literature replaced the grade 11 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in mathematics, reading, and science for the purpose of satisfying federal accountability requirements, all students must participate in the Algebra I, Biology, and Literature Keystone Exams by spring of their grade 11 year.
The federal accountability requirements states that testing is to be administered in grades 3-8 and once in 11th grade. The federal requirement DOES NOT mandate that students take the test.
On page 11 of the Handbook:
d. Student had a parental exclusion based on other reasons: If a parent refuses to have his/her student participate in the assessment but does not provide a reason in accordance with Chapter 4 rules, school personnel must select “Student had a parental exclusion based on other reasons.” Students who do not participate in the assessment due to parental request will negatively affect the school’s participation rate and can potentially have a negative impact on the school’s accountability status.Parents are not required to review the Keystone exams per the above statement which is also found on the first page of the Keystone Exam testing booklet.
