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 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  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 (Today’s 8 th Graders) Must demonstrate proficiency in these areas – the test is assessment is administered when students complete the course) Algebra I English composition Literature Biology Class of Must demonstrate proficiency on 6 of ten tests 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 11 th grade.

Down the Road…Changes to AYP Pending approval by the U.S. Dept. of Ed. The four PSSA tests administered in 11 th and 12 th grade retests will be discontinued ( 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 Yes Any 7 th or 8 th grader taking, Algebra 1, Biology, and/or Literature would need to take a Keystone On-Hold Any 7 th, 8 th or 9 th grader taking Algebra 1, Biology, Algebra II, Geometry, Composition would need to take a Keystone Exam ? Any 7 th, 8 th,9 th or 10 th grader taking Algebra 1, Biology, Literature, Algebra II, Geometry, Composition, US History would need to take a Keystone Exam ? Any 7 th, 8 th,9 th 10 th or 11 th 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:

Source: [22 PA. CODE CH. 4 ] Academic Standards and Assessment [40 Pa.B. 240] [Saturday, January 9, 2010]