Keystone Parent Communication

Winter Testing Schedule for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
(Keystone Exams):

Biology Assessment - December 4 - 5, 2024
English Literature Assessment - December 9 - 10, 2024
Algebra I Assessment - December 12 - 13, 2024


Please review the following documents linked on the left menu: Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy, Information for Parents or Guardians (Pennsylvania Keystone Exams), Calculator Policy
and Code of Conduct for Test Takers

November 1, 2024

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Currently in Pennsylvania, students must meet the requirements for graduation set forth by the Department of Education (PDE), which requires our current seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen students to continue to participate in the Keystone Exams. Beginning Wednesday, December 4, 2024, through Friday, December 13, 2024, students enrolled in a Keystone-related course such as Algebra II at the Wyomissing Area Junior/Senior High School will participate in the Pennsylvania Keystone Exams. Some students who have previously completed a Keystone­ related course but did not take the Biology or the English Literature Keystone Exams will also participate for accountability purposes. Additionally, students who have taken a Keystone Exam but did not achieve a Proficient score have the opportunity to re-take the exam. Whether your student is designated as an in-person or BOL (Berks Online Learning) student, it is expected that they attend school on the assigned testing days based on the assessment(s) they must complete.

The Keystone Exams serve as standards-based, criterion-referenced assessments designed to gauge a student's proficiency in academic core content standards and the extent to which school programs facilitate the attainment of these standards. Each assessment consists of multiple-choice and constructed-responses or open-ended questions. Detailed information about the various question types, scoring criteria, and score reports are included in the attached "Information for Parents or Guardians (Pennsylvania Keystone Exams)" document, provided by the State.

The outcomes of these assessments yield valuable insights for our school district, driving program planning and improvements. Individual student reports for all assessments are scheduled to be sent to the school district in early March for distribution. As soon as individual student results are received, a copy will be sent home to
parents/ guardians.

This letter is accompanied by the "Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy" and the "Information for Parents/Guardians (Pennsylvania Keystone Exams)" documents, prepared by PDE. These documents offer comprehensive Keystone­ related information to enhance your student's preparedness. We kindly request that you review these documents attentively.
As with any testing program, we greatly appreciate your support and encouragement. Your student's attendance during these tests is of the utmost importance. If you seek additional information or have any further questions regarding the Keystone Exams (i.e. - administration, the review process, etc.), please feel free to reach out to your student's principal.

Sincerely,

Dr. Melissa Woodard
Superintendent

Click here for PDF version
Click here for PDF version (Spanish)