• The Keystone Exams

    The Keystone Exams are state mandated, end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra, Literature, and Biology.

    Procedures for Students Who Do Not Pass a Keystone Exam After Three Attempts

    If a student does not reach at least the “Proficient” level on a Keystone Exam after three attempts, or by the end of the junior year, the student must demonstrate mastery through a local assessment aligned to the academic standards or a Project-Based Assessment identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The local assessment is embedded in the Mathematics Practicum, English Practicum, and Biology Practicum courses. The students can either pass two benchmark assessments in the course, or they can complete the class with a final grade of 70% or higher. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for developing the Project-Based Assessments. These will be facilitated by NASD staff members and communicated to the appropriate students.

    A student is permitted to take the re-test up until the time of graduation. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can participate in the re-test option and participate in other supplemental instruction, as determined by the IEP Team.

    Procedures for Students Who Do Not Pass a Keystone Exam

    If a student does not receive a score of “Advanced” or “Proficient” on a Keystone Exam, the student is permitted to take a re-test during designated windows established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students may take the re-test as many times as desired prior to graduation.

    If a student does not reach at least the “Proficient” level on a Keystone re-test in a particular subject, he or she must demonstrate mastery through another method in order to meet the graduation requirement.

    If a student’s Performance Level on the Algebra 1, Biology, and/or Literature Keystone Exam is “Basic” or “Below Basic,” the student may be offered a summer re-test (provided a re-test window is offered by the State and the District) option.

    If the student declines the summer re-test option, or it is not made available, additional opportunities for a re-test will occur during the next available testing window.

    If a student’s Performance Level is “Basic” on his or her first administration of the Algebra 1, Literature, or Biology Keystone Exam(s), the student will be provided one of the following forms of remediation: Students who score in the top half of the basic range, as noted by the scaled score, will be provided an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) that the student will work on independently. The ILP will be developed in conjunction with a content area teacher and will be based on the specific assessment anchors where the student needs additional support. The student may also elect to voluntarily enroll in the appropriate Practicum course. Students who score in the bottom half of the basic range, as noted by the scaled score, will be required to enroll in the appropriate course titled English Practicum, Mathematics Practicum, or Biology Practicum during the next scheduling window.

    If the student’s Performance Level is “Below Basic” on his or her first administration of the Algebra 1, Biology, and/or Literature Keystone Exam(s), the student is required to enroll in the semester course titled English Practicum, Mathematics Practicum, or Biology Practicum during the school day in the following school year for supplemental instruction. Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) can participate in the re-test option and participate in other supplemental instruction, as determined by the IEP Team.

    Testing Dates

    • December 2-13, 2019
    • May 11-22, 2020

    Retake Dates

    • July 27-31, 2020