We wanted to take a moment to update you on the standardized testing calendar and resources for the Spring 2021 assessments, as we draw nearer to the administration windows for both the PA System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone Exams. 

At this time, the United States Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) require state standardized testing. PDE has permitted increased flexibility in the assessment, acknowledging that schools will face additional logistical challenges for testing large groups of students within health and safety protocols.

Each grade span and building has designed plans to accommodate our in-person and virtual students as they take the PSSA or Keystone this year while maintaining the integrity of the district Health and Safety plan. Families within the virtual model will receive additional communication from their principal with specific directions for dates and times of testing. 

Students in grade 3 will primarily be utilizing the paper-based assessments. Students in Grades 4-6 will test primarily online with their assigned Chromebooks. Students in Grades 7-12 will be utilizing a mix of paper-based and online assessments, leveraging available technology.

Regardless of whether students are taking the paper-based or online assessment, PDE requires all in-person and virtual students to be on campus at the time of testing. For online test takers, PDE utilizes assessment software that requires the use of a school-issued device directly connected to the school network to function.

PA System of School Assessments (PSSAs) – Grades 3-8

The PSSAs are standards-based assessments used to measure a student's attainment of the academic standards while also determining the degree to which school programs enable students to attain proficiency of the standards.  The assessments will be administered on the following dates:  

Keystone Exams – Grades 8-12

Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to measure students' mastery of the standards associated with Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature.  Keystone Exams are a requirement for graduation at Pine-Richland School District.
Please note that the Keystones will be administered on the following dates:

Student scores can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities; school scores provide information to schools and districts for curricular and instructional improvement.