Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158), which was signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf on October 24, 2018, provides alternatives for high school students to demonstrate readiness for postsecondary success.

Act 158, in conjunction with Act 6 of 2017 (Act 6), expands the options for students to demonstrate postsecondary readiness through five pathways that illustrate college, career, and community readiness. The statewide graduation requirement outlined in Act 6 and Act 158 takes effect for the graduating class of 2022.

As required, the Department of Education (PDE) has released a Guidance FAQ document to provide an overview of changes to the statewide graduation requirement as a result of Act 158.

Future guidance will provide more detail as to the implementation of the requirements of Act 158, including the composite Keystone score, established cut scores for alternate assessments, and guidelines to define pathway evidence.

More information about the new statewide graduation requirement is available on the PDE website. Questions may be directed to RA-EDGRADREQUIREMENT@pa.gov.