Dear Colleague,

Today you will be receiving the student data files for the 2015 PSSA, and I want to assure you that we at the Department of Education understand the broad and significant impact these scores have on students, parents, teachers, administrators and communities.

This time last year I was an educator in the field and have not forgotten what is at stake with these results.

Over the course of the last several months, the PDE team has met with hundreds of administrators, educators, and stakeholders to engage in thoughtful dialogue around the best ways to serve students, and those conversations have been both informative and productive. 

There are many opportunities for our current system to be refined and improved; however, please remember that nearly all of the issues related to standards, assessment, and accountability are codified in statute or regulation. Therefore, it will take time, and require extensive dialogue and input among stakeholder groups to achieve these revisions to the system. PDE is committed to taking the time and making the effort necessary to engage in the change process, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate in the weeks and months ahead.

Later today, you will be receiving your student data files to gain a preliminary sense of your students’ achievement on the new PSSA. You will also be receiving support documents from the Department to aid you in communicating with your stakeholders as questions arise regarding the new assessment and its outcomes.

Like you, our singular goal is to ensure the success of students throughout the Commonwealth. As we prepare them to be college and career ready, PDE pledges to provide the support to achieve this collective goal. 

Sincerely,

Matthew S. Stem
Deputy Secretary
Department of Education