Keystone Exams
The Keystone Exams are state-mandated end-of-course assessments in Algebra I, Biology and Literature. At the high school level, they are used to satisfy the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Each Keystone Exam is divided into two parts called modules. Student scores are based on the total points earned from the two modules combined. The scores are then broken down into the following categories: Advanced, Proficient, Basic and Below Basic. Students must score in the Advanced or Proficient range to show mastery of the content.
If you have questions about the administration or scheduling of Keystone exams, please contact Assistant Principal of Student Affairs Dr. Joseph MacNamara. If you have specific question about the Keystone exams, your child’s scores, the Pennsylvania Graduation Requirement, or the alternative pathways, contact Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs Silvia Manoukian.
2023 Keystone Exam Information
The Spring 2023 Session of the Keystone Exams will be held May 15 – 23 and will begin promptly at 8:30 A.M. on each testing day. Please encourage your child to arrive on time. Homeroom attendance will occur during the testing session. We have allotted approximately 86 minutes for each testing module. Additionally, all students will have extended time should they not finish at the end of the 86 minutes.
These exams are state-wide assessments, and its data is used to inform educators on many different levels regarding the education that is provided to our children across the state. These standardized tests also give all members of your child’s team a data point to show growth in ability to perform within a standardized assessment environment. It provides your child with assessment knowledge, perseverance, and practice with assessments taking abilities.
The following students are scheduled to take the Spring 2023 Keystone Exams at Radnor High School:
- Students enrolled in Algebra I during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Students enrolled in Biology during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Students enrolled in World Literature during the 2022-2023 school year.
- Students enrolled in Integrated Global Issues during the 2022-2023 school year.
Below are the testing dates by exam. Our Keystone Testing Make-up Window will begin May 24 – 26.
Date |
Cycle Day |
Order of Periods |
Exam |
Monday, May 15th |
6 |
1, 2, 3, HR, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Algebra I – Module 1 |
Wednesday, May 17th |
7 |
3, 4, 1, HR, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Algebra I – Module 2 |
Thursday, May 18th |
10 |
7, 8, 1, HR, 2, 5, 6, 3, 4 |
Biology – Module 1 |
Friday, May 19th |
1 |
1, 2, 3, HR, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Biology – Module 2 |
Monday, May 22nd |
2 |
3, 4, 1, HR, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Literature – Module 1 |
Tuesday, May 23rd |
5 |
7, 8, 1, HR, 2, 5, 6, 3, 4 |
Literature – Module 2 |
Note: Bolded periods = Tested periods
At the conclusion of the Keystone exams, students will report directly to their regularly scheduled classes. If a student misses class due to their participation in a Keystone Exam, the absence will be excused. Students should check Schoology to see what work they missed and reach out to their teacher with questions.
Additional information regarding the Keystone Exams, various graduation pathways, and resources can be found below.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. MacNamara at Joseph.Macnamara@rtsd.org
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 2023 Item and Scoring Sampler - Algebra I (PDF)
- 2023 Item and Scoring Sampler - Biology (PDF)
- 2023 Item and Scoring Sampler - Literature (PDF)
For additional item and scoring samples, visit the PDE website.
Keystone Exams During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the statewide graduation requirement associated with Keystone proficiency has been postponed and now only applies to the Class of 2023 and beyond. For additional information, please see the Keystone Resource FAQ.
Class of 2023 and Beyond
Per Act 158, should any student in the Class of 2023 and below not achieve advanced or proficient on the Keystones, they can now meet the statewide graduation requirements by completing one of the following pathways. The information below was adapted from the PDE website on graduation requirements on October 6, 2022.