Keystone Exams
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. The Keystone Exams serve two purposes: 1) high school accountability assessment for the purpose of meeting federal and state mandates, and 2) high school graduation requirement for students beginning with the Class of 2023. Keystone Exams help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.
Keystone Exam Testing Schedule
The Wissahickon School District will administer the Spring Keystone Exams to all eligible students during the May testing window. Eligible Keystone Exam participants include students currently enrolled in one or more Keystone related courses or students who have previously scored non-proficient on one or more of these exams.
Keystone Testing Window
|
Keystone Subject |
Location |
Date |
|
Algebra 1 |
Wissahickon Middle School |
May 12 – May 23, 2025 |
|
Wissahickon High School |
||
|
Biology |
Wissahickon High School |
|
|
Literature |
Wissahickon High School |
It is vitally important that our students are in attendance and do their very best on these assessments. Please avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments and vacations during the above time frame. Non-school sponsored travel will not be approved as an excused absence during the Keystone testing window.
The only participation exemption provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is for religious reasons based on content within the assessment. In order to obtain a religious exemption, a parent/guardian must contact the building principal prior to the Keystone administration to make arrangements with the principal/assistant principal to review the test. If after reviewing the test, the parent/guardian finds the test to be in conflict with their religious beliefs, he/she must submit a written request to the district’s Assistant Superintendent requesting a religious exemption.
Keystone Exam Resources
Keystone FAQ for Parents
Keystone Exams Use of Electronic Devices
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Keystone Report Interpretation Guides
Act 158 Pathways to Graduation
Act 158 of 2018, and amended in September 2020, established the statewide graduation requirement for students in the classes of 2023 and beyond. Act 158 provides students with multiple pathway options to demonstrate academic proficiency in Algebra, Biology, and Literature in order to fulfill the state requirements. The vast majority of Wissahickon students will meet the statewide graduation requirement through one of the two Keystone Exam Pathways. However, in the event that students are not successful in either of those two pathways, the graduation requirement can be met through one of three additional pathways that more fully illustrate college, career, and community readiness. Regardless of the pathway a student follows to earn their diploma, participation in Keystone exams remains a federal requirement.
Students can meet the statewide graduation requirement through one of five pathways:
- Keystone Proficiency Pathway
- Keystone Composite Pathway
- Alternate Assessment Pathway
- Career and Technical Pathway
- Evidence-Based Pathway
View information about the five graduation pathway requirements