The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, or PSSA, measures how well students have achieved in reading, mathematics, science and writing according to Pennsylvania's academic standards. By using these standards, educators, parents and administrators can evaluate their students' strengths and weaknesses to increase students' achievement scores.
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.
Parents and guardians may review Keystone and PSSA Exams if they believe they may be in conflict with their religious beliefs by making arrangements with the School Test Coordinator once the exams arrive at the school. Confidentiality agreements must be signed. Copies of the exams or notes about exam questions are not permitted to leave the school.
Parents may make an appointment to preview the exams for one full week prior to the start of the testing window. Requests for religious exemption must be made in writing to the Superintendent at least one full day before testing begins.