Keystone Exams FAQ - East Penn School District

East Penn School District
Assessment & Keystone Exam Updates
and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In July 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) announced proposed changes to
the annual assessments administered in schools. These changes are contingent upon approval
from the United States Department of Education, approval of new Pennsylvania Chapter 4
Regulations, and funding to support the tests. These testing changes will impact students in the
East Penn School District. More detailed information regarding the tests will be forthcoming as
details are released from PDE.
Proposed 2012-2013 Assessments
• Students in Grades 3-8 will continue to complete the PSSA (Reading, Math, Science, and
Writing).
• The PSSA-Modified Assessments were eliminated at all levels (Grades 3-8, 11).
• Reading, Math, Science, and Writing PSSA tests for students in Grade 11 were
eliminated.
• Keystone Exams in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology will replace the Grade 11 PSSA
tests.
• Emmaus High School students in Grade 11 will complete Keystone Exams in Literature,
Algebra I, and Biology.
• East Penn School District students who previously completed Algebra I and/or Biology
will complete Keystone Exams during the 2012-2013 school year.
The East Penn School District is committed to keeping parents and students informed regarding
changes which affect our students. We created this list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
to address concerns:
Q: What are Keystone Exams?
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to measure proficiency in core
subjects. Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, Keystone Exams for Algebra I and Literature
will be used to determine Emmaus High School’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status for the
No Child Left Behind law.
Keystone Exams will be administered in the spring when students are completing the following
courses:
• Literature (English Grade 10)
• Algebra I
• Biology

Q: What is assessed on the Keystone Exams?
Pennsylvania adopted the Common Core Standards which were aligned with expectations for
success in college and the workplace. The Keystones were designed to measure these standards.
Keystone Exams include multiple-choice questions and constructed-response, or open-ended,
questions.
Q: Who will complete Keystone Exams?
Emmaus High School students in Grade 11 will complete Keystone Exams in Literature, Algebra
I, and Biology. East Penn School District students who previously completed Algebra I and/or
Biology will complete Keystone Exams during the 2012-2013 school year.
Q: When will students complete Keystone Exams?
Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments, not grade level tests. For example, a student
who is completing Algebra I during 2012-2013 will complete the Keystone Exam during the
testing window in May 2013. However, Grade 11 students will complete Literature, Algebra I,
and Biology Keystone Exams in December 2012, regardless of current enrollments (due to the
transition to Keystone Exams from Grade 11 PSSA tests).
Q: How are Keystone Exams related to high school graduation requirements?
Beginning with the Class of 2017, students will be required to score at the proficient level on
Keystone Exams for graduation purposes. Students will have opportunities to re-take Keystone
Exams to achieve proficient scores. They will be required to complete remediation prior to retaking
Keystone Exams. If students fail to demonstrate proficiency after two test attempts, they
may become eligible for a project-based assessment.
Q: Can students opt out of Keystone Exams?
All students are required to complete Keystone Exams for AYP purposes, due to PDE
regulations. The only exception is completion of the PASA for special education students who
meet the qualification requirements.
Q: How will Keystone Exams be modified for learners with special needs?
Keystone Exam accommodations will be available for learners with special needs, as listed in
students’ Individualized Education Plans. PDE may delineate limitations for accommodations.
Q: How will the East Penn School District prepare my child for Keystone Exams?
The Literature, Algebra I, and Biology courses in East Penn School District have been aligned to
the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards. The Keystones are designed to measure these
Standards. Classroom teachers will also provide test-taking strategies in preparation for the
exams.
Q: My child is enrolled in the East Penn Cyber Learning Program (online). Will he/she be
required to complete Keystone Exams?
Yes, students who are enrolled in the cyber program must fulfill the same requirements as
students in the traditional program.

Q: Which tests will a student in Grade 11 complete during 2012-2013?
Students who are in Grade 11 will complete the Literature, Algebra I, and Biology Keystone
Exams.
Q: Will a child who completes Algebra I in middle school be required to complete the
Keystone Exam?
Yes, students who complete Algebra I during middle school will complete Keystone Exams.
Students’ scores will be banked until students are in Grade 11. Proficiency outcomes will be
used for graduation and AYP purposes.
Q: I have questions which were not addressed in this document. Where can I access
additional information?
Mrs. Kristen Campbell
Assistant to the Superintendent
610-966-8321
kcampbell@eastpennsd.org
For further information, please access the following links:
Pennsylvania Department of Education SAS Portal
http://www.pdesas.org
Pennsylvania School Boards Association
http://www.psba.org/issues-advocacy/issues-research/assessments-testing-nclb/transitioncommon-core-standards-080812.asp