On February 3, 2016, Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 880 into law. In addition to delaying the use of Keystone Exams or the Project Based Assessments as graduation requirements until the 2018-2019 school year, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has been charged with the following:

– Implement alternative methods for students to demonstrate proficiency for graduation in addition to the Keystone Exams, Project Based Assessment and other alternative assessments provided for in 22 Pa. Code § 4.24.

– Improve and expedite the evaluation of Project Based Assessments.

– Ensure that no student is prohibited from participation in vocational-technical education or elective courses or programs as a result of supplemental instruction as required in § 22 Pa. Code §§ 4.24 (k) and 4.51B (f).

To provide direction to LEAs, PDE provides these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to clarify the implications of SB 880.

Questions may be directed to jinskip@pa.gov.