Chapter 4 Changes
Graduation Requirements and
Keystone Exams
Upper Merion Area School District
Presentation
by Jane Callaghan 3/15/2011
Some History
Approval of Chapter 4 Regulations
 On January 9, 2010 changes regarding high
school graduation were made to 22 PA.
CODE CH 4.
 The changes created stronger graduation
requirements, as well as new supports for
students and school districts.
UMASD Requirements for Graduation
Effective with the graduating class of 2014-15
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Course completion and grades (HS Program of Study contains
specific information regarding courses needed)
Completion of a culminating project
Demonstration of proficiency as determined by the school
district in each of the state academic standards not assessed
by a state assessment
Demonstration of proficiency in literature (reading),
English composition, math, science and social studies as
determined through an end of the course Keystone Exam.
Keystone Exams are created at the State Level based upon
State Standards
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is working on
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Creation of Keystone Exams
Schedule for Keystone Exams
Classroom Diagnostic Tools to assess readiness
Requirements for Graduation
The requirements will be phased in:
Class of 2014-2015
(Today’s 8th Graders)
Must demonstrate proficiency in these areas –
the test is assessment is administered when
students complete the course)
Class of 2016-2017
Must demonstrate proficiency on 6
of ten tests
•Algebra I
•English composition
•Literature
•Biology
•English composition and literature
•Two of three mathematics (algebra I,
geometry, algebra II)
•One of two sciences (biology or
chemistry)
•One of three social studies (American
history, civics and government or world
history)
The Impact of Keystone Exams
 Each Keystone Exam will be graded by PDE as a
PSSA test would be graded; Advanced, Proficient,
Basic, and Below Basic.
 If a student scores below basic, he or she is given
the score of 0 for the entire test.
 Unlike the PSSA, the Keystones will be offered
three times per year, providing opportunities for
retesting.
The Impact of Keystone Exams
 Students will be able to retake the tests in whole or in
part.
 If a student fails to reach proficient after three attempts, a
project-based assessment may be given to meet the
graduation requirement. Points earned through the
project would be added to their highest Keystone Exam
score. Projects would be administered at the local level
and scored at a regional level by panels composed of
teachers, principals and curriculum specialists.
 Most students should have the opportunity to meet the
Keystone graduation requirements prior to the end of the
11th grade.
Down the Road…Changes to AYP
Pending approval by the U.S. Dept. of Ed.
 The four PSSA tests administered in 11th and 12th grade retests
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will be discontinued ( 2012-2013 School year)
These PSSA tests will be replaced by three Keystone Exams
 Algebra I
 Literature (Reading)
 Biology
The Algebra I and Literature exams will be mandatory as the
measure used to determine Adequate Yearly Progress
The Biology exam will be mandatory consistent with Federal
law requiring a high-school level science exam
Use of these and other Keystone Exams will remain voluntary for
the purposes of determining course grades and eligibility for high
school graduation as provided in the menu of available options to
demonstrate readiness for high school graduation
Original Keystone Exams Timeline
2010-2011
Yes
2011-2012
On-Hold
2012-2013
?
2013-2014
?
2014-2015
?
Any 7th or 8th grader taking, Algebra 1, Biology, and/or
Literature would need to take a Keystone
Any 7th, 8th or 9th grader taking Algebra 1, Biology, Algebra II,
Geometry, Composition would need to take a Keystone Exam
Any 7th, 8th ,9th or 10th grader taking Algebra 1, Biology,
Literature, Algebra II, Geometry, Composition, US History
would need to take a Keystone Exam
Any 7th, 8th ,9th 10th or 11th grader taking Algebra 1, Biology,
Literature, Algebra II, Geometry, Composition, US History
would need to take a Keystone Exam
Any student taking Algebra 1, Biology, Literature, Algebra II,
Geometry, Composition, US History, Chemistry, Civics &
Government, World History would need to take a Keystone
Exam
How Will UMASD respond to the
change in Plans for Keystone
Administration
 The District will take the opportunity to realign
curriculum with new Keystone Enhanced
Standards in order to more fully prepare teachers
and students for the exams.
 The District will thoughtfully examine all options for
using Keystones as end of year exams, as well as
opportunities to “test out” of courses.
 The District will consider options and structures for
remediation.
 The District will work to begin to embed the
Common Core Standards that were adopted as
part of Chapter 4.
Who Is Immediately Affected?
 Grade 8 students who are taking Algebra will take
an Algebra Keystone Exam this spring – Testing
window is May 2- May 10.
 Student scores will not be back in time to be used
as part of an end of year grade.
 This group of students will have met their
Keystone Algebra requirement and will get a
“pass” since they are the first group taking the
Keystone. The scores of this group will be used to
establish cut scores for future groups.
 This cohort will be the first cohort affected by new
graduation requirements.
For more information,
frequently asked questions,
and PDE updates:
http://www.pdesas.org/assessment/keystone
Source:
[22 PA. CODE CH. 4 ]
Academic Standards and Assessment
[40 Pa.B. 240]
[Saturday, January 9, 2010]