Keystone Exams

The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate students' proficiency in key subjects, including Algebra I, Biology, and Literature.   These exams play a significant role in determining a student's readiness for graduation and academic success.

Subjects Assessed

The Keystone Exams assess the following subjects:

• Algebra I: This exam evaluates students' understanding of fundamental algebraic concepts and problem-solving skills.
• Biology: The biology exam assesses knowledge and application of biological concepts, including ecology, genetics, and cellular processes.
• Literature: This assessment focuses on students' reading and analytical skills, including comprehension, literary analysis, and interpretation.

Purpose

The Keystone Exams serve several important purposes, including:

• Graduation Requirement: Successful completion of Keystone Exams in designated subjects is a graduation requirement in Pennsylvania.
• Assessing College and Career Readiness: The exams help determine a student's preparedness for post-secondary education and the workforce.
• Evaluating School Performance: Keystone Exam results are used to assess the performance of schools and inform improvement efforts.

Understanding Your Student's Keystone Exam Score

The Linkit! portal includes a score for each time your student sits for a given Keystone, so you can see every administration, not just the most recent one. Alongside each administration, the portal also shows your student's best score for that subject. Pennsylvania uses the best score a student has earned on each Keystone to determine whether the graduation requirement has been met, so this is the number that matters most for tracking progress toward graduation.

What the Score Levels Mean

Each administration receives a performance level:

• Advanced: The student's work goes beyond what is expected for the course.
• Proficient: The student is meeting the expected standard for the course.
• Basic: The student shows partial understanding of the expected standard.
• Below Basic: The student shows little understanding of the expected standard.

Proficient and Advanced are considered on grade level, and count toward the graduation requirement.

What Else You Will See in the Portal

• Scaled score: A number that allows scores to be compared across administrations within the same subject.
• Subject breakdown: A closer look at how your student performed in specific skill areas within the course.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• If your student retakes a Keystone, both the new and previous administrations stay visible in the portal, alongside the best score.
• One test is one point of information. Teachers use classroom work, report cards, and other assessments throughout the year to build a full picture of your student's progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions in this FAQ. (FAQ en espanol)