• 2023-2024 State Testing Dates and Information

    PASA – Testing begins March 11, 2024 and runs through May 3, 2024.
    PASA Overview - The PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) is an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards. This type of test is used to evaluate the performance of students who are unable to participate in the general state assessment (i.e., the PSSA and Keystone Exams) even with accommodations. Alternate assessments provide a way for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to be included in the educational accountability system. PASA is administered in grades 3-8 and 11 in ELA (includes writing) and Math and grades 4, 8 and 11 in Science.

    PSSA – Testing window dates
    English Language Arts – April 22-26, 2024
    Mathematics/Science/Make-Ups – April 29-May 3, 2024
    PSSA Overview - The annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment is a standards-based, criterion-referenced assessment which provides students, parents, educators and citizens with an understanding of student and school performance related to the attainment of proficiency of the academic standards. These standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science and Technology identify what a student should know and be able to do at varying grade levels. School districts possess the freedom to design curriculum and instruction to ensure that students meet or exceed the standards' expectations. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and Math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in science.

    KEYSTONE - Spring Testing window dates
    Algebra, Biology, and Literature – May 13-24, 2024
    Keystone Overview - The Keystone exams were created to replace the Grade 11 PSSA and serve as one component of Pennsylvania's statewide high school graduation requirement. Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards. The exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.

     

    Important Testing Information for Parents
    PASA

    https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/Assessments/Pages/Pennsylvania-Alternate-System-of-Assessment-(PASA).aspx

    https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/pennsylvania

     

    Important PSSA and Keystones Documents:

    Excusal from state testing (PASA, PSSA, and Keystone Exams)
    Chapter 4 of Title 22 of the Pa. Code (22 Pa. code 4.4) provides for the right of any parent/guardian to excuse his/her child from the state assessment if, upon inspection of the testing materials, he/she finds the assessment to be in conflict with his/her religious beliefs. This is the only basis for a parent/guardian to excuse his or her child from the statewide assessments.
    Procedure for parent/guardian to request that student be excused from the statewide assessment(s):

    1. The parent/guardian needs to initiate contact with the schools Program Supervisor/Coordinator with a request for his/her student to be excused from the assessment(s).
    2. Two weeks prior to the assessment(s), the Program Supervisor/Coordinator will schedule an appointment for the parent/guardian to come in and view the exam(s). The parent/guardian must sign the Parent Confidentiality Agreement provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education prior to viewing the exam.
    3. The parent/guardian is required to submit a written request to The Vanguard School (the written request will also be shared with the LEA from the student’s home district), stating a request to have his/her child opt out of the assessment due to religious objection. The letter must list the specific name(s) of each assessment about which there is an objection.
    4. The Program Supervisor/Coordinator will confirm with the parent/guardian that the child will be excused.