Testing
PENNSYLVANIA SYSTEM OF SCHOOL ASSESSMENT (PSSA)
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) includes assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics which are taken by students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Students in grades 4 and 8 are administered the Science PSSA. The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAs include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The Science PSSA includes items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT
Federal Law requires annual assessment of English language proficiency for all English Learners. The state English Language Proficiency assessment aligns with Pennsylvania's core standards and the English Language Proficiency Standards and must measure progress on the attainment of English for each language domain, i.e., reading, writing, speaking and listening.
WIDA
KEYSTONE EXAMS
Keystone Exams are end–of-course assessments in designated content areas. The Keystone Exams serve two purposes: (1) high school accountability assessments for federal and state purposes, and (2) a component of the statewide high school graduation requirement for students beginning with the class of 2022. The Algebra I and Literature Keystone Exams include items written to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. The Biology Keystone Exam includes items written to the Assessment Anchor/Eligible Content aligned to the enhanced Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science.