Keystone Exams and Graduation Requirements for Students Updated February

On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, Governor Wolf signed into law Senate bill 880, which will delay the States of implementation of the Keystone Exams and the associated Project Based Assessments as a state graduation requirement for two years, until the school year (current 9 th graders). While the state has delayed the requirement that Districts use the Keystone Exams, the Literature and Algebra Keystone Exams will remain a PPS graduation requirement. Students will have to earn a proficient score (or score equivalent) in order to graduate. 2

What is a Keystone Exam? Keystone Exams are end-of-course exams designed to assess how much students know in specific content areas. – They are standardized tests that all students will take – They are mostly multiple choice – Students can take them more than once – Each Keystone has 2 modules. This means that you can pass one module but not the whole exam. – Like the PSSA, they are also scored on an Advanced (4), Proficient (3), Basic (2) and Below Basic (1) scale What content areas will have Keystone Exams? Students will take the Keystone Exams at the END of the year (May) when enrolled in the following courses: – Algebra I (students usually take in 9 th grade, though could be taken grades 7-9) – English II (ALL students take in 10 th grade) – Biology (most students take in 9 th or 10 th grade. Any students enrolled in Science 9 will wait to take the Keystone until after Biology) Students will take Keystone Exams for the first time at the end of a course (Algebra I, English II, or Biology). If you don’t pass a Keystone at the end of the course, you will have other opportunities to take it. 3

Why is PPS using the Keystone Exams? High School PSSA Exams were based on Pennsylvania Academic Content Standards, while Keystone exams are based on Pennsylvania Core State Standards (PACSS). Pennsylvania is one of 43 states that have adopted these standards. The Common Core State Standards: Provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. Are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. The goal of the CCSS is to nationally improve education and curriculum to ensure that all students are ready for college, workforce training, and life. 4

5 Graduation Requirements for 10 th and 11 th and 12 th Graders (classes of 2016, 2017 & 2018), include Algebra and Literature Keystone Exams Students graduating in 2016, 2017 & 2018 will have to meet the following requirements to graduate: 1.Acquire 26.5 Credits (4 Math, 4 English, 4 Social Studies, 4 Science, etc) 2.Demonstrate proficiency on the Algebra AND Literature Keystone If students are unsuccessful multiple times on the Algebra or Literature Keystones, or reach the 12th grade and have not passed the Algebra or Literature Keystone exams, students can fulfill the Keystone requirement by: – Completing the 12th grade Keystone-aligned Advanced Algebra course with a 70% or above – Demonstrate proficiency (3 out of 4 on the corresponding reading or writing rubric) on 4 Culminating Projects (2 from Reading, 2 from Writing) in an English IV course. Please Note: Even though demonstrating proficiency on the Biology Keystone is not a graduation requirement we want to ensure that all students are meeting or exceeding standards in science instruction, so students that did not demonstrate proficiency (1X) or did not take the Biology Keystone Exam must participate during the May 2016 administration.

6 Graduation Requirements for 9 th Graders (class of 2019) include Algebra, Literature & Biology Keystone Exams To graduate High School, current 9 th graders must: 1.Acquire 26.5 Credits (4 Math, 4 English, 4 Social Studies, 4 Science, etc) 2.Demonstrate Proficiency on the Algebra, Literature and Biology Keystones If students currently in 9 th grade are unsuccessful multiple times on the Keystones, or reach the 12th grade and have not passed the Algebra, Literature and/or Biology Keystone exams, students can fulfill the Keystone requirement by completing Project Based Assessments created and scored by the state.

7 Keystone Modules at a Glance Students do not have to pass both modules. In some cases, the combined score can be high enough to pass the overall test. When the Keystone is taken more than once, the best scores for each module are used. Algebra I Keystone Module 1Module 2 Content Covered Operations and Linear Equations and Inequalities Functions and Coordinate Geometry and Data Analysis Literature Keystone Module 1Module 2 Content Covered Fiction LiteratureNonfiction Literature Biology Keystone Module 1Module 2 Content Covered Cells and Cell ProcessesContinuity and Unity of Life

8 Graduation Requirements at a Glance Graduation Requirements12th Graders 10th and 11th Graders 9 th Graders  A minimum of 26.5 credits (4 credits in Math, English, Science & Math; 7 elective credits; 1 health; 2 PE)  Complete a Graduation Project (.5 credit) No longer a graduation requirement  Demonstrate Proficiency (scoring Proficient or Advanced) on a Standardized Test or Local Assessment or Project Based Assessment Algebra & Literature Keystone (students will still take Biology Keystone) Algebra & Literature Keystone (students will still take Biology Keystone) Algebra, Literature & Biology Keystone

: What Exams Will I Take and When? 9

All students will take the Keystones required for graduation. Students will have multiple opportunities to take and pass these exams. If students don’t demonstrate proficiency on a Keystone a multiple times, they will have an opportunity to meet this requirement through a PPS Keystone project based assessment. Students take the Keystones in MAY if they are enrolled in a Keystone course. There are re-testing opportunities in December and May. Once students pass a Keystone, they do not have to take it again. 10

What Exams Will I Take and When: 12 th Graders (class of 2016) 12 th graders are not enrolled in Algebra I, English II or Biology, so you will not take any Keystones in May. However, if you have not yet passed the Algebra or Literature Keystone, you will have the opportunity to re-take the exams in December. You will also have a chance to re-take Biology in May. Additionally, If you have not yet passed the Algebra Keystone, you should currently be enrolled in Advanced Algebra. Completing this course with a 70% will fulfill your graduation requirement. Students that need to complete the Keystone Project based Assessment in Literature will complete 4 culminating Projects (2 from reading, 2 from writing), which are embedded in the 12 th grade English curriculum. You must demonstrate proficiency (3 out of 4 on the corresponding reading or writing rubric) on each culminating project. 11

What Exams Will I Take and When: 11 th Graders (Class of 2017) 11 th graders have already taken the courses that Keystone Exams are aligned to (Algebra I & English II), which means you will only have to re-take Keystones you have not yet passed. Remember, you have to take the Keystone multiple times before you have the opportunity to complete a Keystone project-based assessment. Opportunities for 11 th graders to re-take Literature and Algebra Exams Opportunity for Literature, Algebra & Biology Re- Take Jan Opportunity for Literature, Algebra & Biology Re- Take May Please note that if you have not passed the Algebra Keystone by the end of 11 th grade, you will be scheduled into Advanced Algebra as your 12 th grade math course.

What Exams Will I Take and When: 10 th Graders (Class of 2018) 10 th graders are currently enrolled in English II and some are enrolled in Biology, so you will take that Keystone at the end of the course in May. Most 10 th graders took Algebra I and Keystone in 9 th grade, so students that have not yet passed the Algebra and Biology Keystone will have an opportunity to re-take them Keystones 10 th graders will take this year and when they will take them: Opportunity for Algebra & Biology Re-Take Jan Literature Exam & Opportunity for Biology & Algebra Re-take May 2016 ** Students enrolled in an Algebra 1 course or Geometry AB-BC will take Algebra Keystone in May 13

What Exams Will I Take and When : 9 th Graders (Class of 2019) Some 9 th graders are enrolled in Biology, and most are enrolled in Algebra I, so you will take both of those Keystones at the end of the course in May. 9 th grade students will wait to take the Literature Keystone until you are in 10 th grade and enrolled in English II. Keystones 9 th graders will take this year and when they will take them: No Keystones* Jan Algebra I and Biology May 2016 *If you have already taken Algebra, and did not pass the Algebra Keystone, you have the opportunity to re- take it in December. 14

What Exams Will I Take and When: 8 th Graders (Class of 2020) Some 8 th graders may be enrolled in Algebra I this year. If so, they will take the Algebra Keystone at the end of the course in May. 8 th grade students wait to take the Biology Keystone until 9 th grade, and the Literature Keystone until 10 th grade. Keystones 8 th graders will take this year and when they will take them: No Keystones Jan 2016 Algebra* May 2016 * Students will only take the Algebra Keystone in May if you are currently enrolled in Algebra. 15

Keystone Exams at a Glance Exams by Grade January 6-20, 2016 MAY May 16-27, th Graders Opportunity to Re-Take Algebra Opportunity to Re-Take Literature Opportunity to Re-Take Biology Opportunity to Re-Take Algebra Opportunity to Re-Take Literature Opportunity to Re-Take Biology 10 th Graders Opportunity to Re-Take Algebra Opportunity to Re-Take Biology Literature (ALL) Algebra ( Students currently enrolled in Geometry AB-BC or other Algebra 1 course) Opportunity to Re-Take Algebra Opportunity to take or Re-Take Biology 9 th Graders Opportunity to Re-Take Algebra (If you took Algebra in 8 th grade but did not pass Keystone Exam) Biology (students currently enrolled in Biology) Algebra (Students currently enrolled in Algebra 1) 8 th GradersN/A Algebra (Only students currently enrolled in Algebra 1) Note: Algebra I courses include PSP and Algebra AB-BC

PSSA for Students in Grades K-8 Students in grades 3-8 will continue to take the PSSA. In , PSSA in grades 3-5 are aligned to the PA Core Standards, rather than the PA Academic Standards. 17

Special Education Students Students enrolled in general education courses will follow the Keystone guidelines for those courses, unless otherwise stated in their IEP. Students who qualify for the PASA will continue to take the PASA (No Keystones). Students receiving instruction in support rooms (modified courses) will follow a modified testing and re-testing schedule. Students will also complete any local assessments as part of a course. 18

ESL Students Appropriate testing accommodations will be made for ESL students, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Three separate accommodations are allowed: 1.Word-to word translation dictionaries, without definitions and without pictures (for Keystone Algebra or Keystone Biology only; not for any part of the Keystone Literature test or on any part of the Keystone English Composition tests) 2.Qualified interpreters/sight translators (Keystone Algebra and Keystone Biology only; not for any part of the Keystone Literature Exam or on any part of the Keystone English Composition (except for the essay prompts Keystone English Composition tests) 3.Spanish/English Mathematics, Science, Algebra, and Biology tests 19

Things to Remember 20 Students currently in grades must demonstrate proficiency on the Literature and Algebra Keystone to graduate. Students currently in the 9 th grade must demonstrate proficiency on the Literature, Algebra and Biology Keystone to graduate. Once you have passed a Keystone, you do not have to take it again. Students have multiple opportunities to take Keystones. If students do not pass the Keystone multiple times, students may begin to complete the Keystone Project-Based Assessment (Advanced Algebra, English IV, Biology/11 th Grade Science) to meet this graduation requirement. Students in 9 th grade will complete Keystone Project-Based Assessments developed and scored by the state (pending approval).