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PSSA/Keystone

PSSA/Keystone Information

PSSA testing

 


In 1999, Pennsylvania adopted academic standards for Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening and Mathematics. These standards identify what a learner should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. School districts possess the freedom to design curriculum and instruction to ensure that learners meet or exceed the standards' expectations.

The annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards based criterion-referenced assessment used to measure a learner's attainment of the academic standards while also determining the degree to which school programs enable learners to attain proficiency of the standards. Every Pennsylvania learner in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and math. 

 

Individual learner scores, provided only to their respective schools, can be used to assist facilitators in identifying learners who may be in need of additional educational opportunities, and school scores provide information to schools and districts for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.
 
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in various subjects.  They are one component of Pennsylvania's proposed system of high school graduation requirements.  Keystone Exams will help school districts guide learners toward meeting state standards.  Learners enrolled in Algebra 1, Literature and Biology are assessed through the Keystone Assessments.
 
 
Assessment Dates Grade(s)
PSSA English Language Arts 
April 21-25, 2025
    3 - 8
PSSA Mathematics, Science and Make-ups April 28-May 2, 2025     3 - 8
Keystone Assessments - Winter
Algebra I, Biology, Literature
December 4 - 18, 2024
 9, 10, 11   
Keystone Assessments - Spring
Algebra I, Biology, Literature          
May 12- 23, 2024
 9, 10, 11