It has come to the attention of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that some LEAs are administering the Keystone Exams inappropriately. Please remember that the Keystone Exams are end-of-course exams and are to be administered at the end or near the completion of the Keystone Exam-related course. LEAs are not to administer the Keystone Exams prior to students taking the Keystone Exam-related course for practice or diagnostic purposes.

There are two exceptions noted in Chapter 4 allowing the administration of the Keystone Exam prior to the completion of the Keystone Exam-related course: 1) A student who has achieved an advanced performance level on the most recently administered PSSA for a specific subject; or 2) a student who has transferred from another state and has achieved a performance level comparable to advanced on an assessment comparable to the PSSA and has demonstrated mastery of the Keystone Exam content may take the Keystone Exam prior to the completion of the Keystone Exam-related course.

Additionally, two exceptions exist for students taking the Keystone Exam at a time other than at the end of a Keystone Exam-related course:  1) Students who completed a Keystone Exam-related course earlier, but are taking the exam to satisfy the requirements of participation for federal accountability; and 2) students who are retaking the exam would meet this exception rule. Note that in some instances, students retaking the Keystone Exam may be completing the Keystone Exam-related course due to repeating the course. Not all students who fail to perform at a proficient level will repeat the course. It is a local decision whether a student repeats the course, takes a remedial course or is provided supplemental instruction.

Questions regarding the appropriate administration of the Keystone Exams can be directed to the Department’s Bureau of Assessment and Accountability at 717-705-2343.