2020-2021 PSSA and Keystone Testing
As you may be aware, the Pennsylvania Department of Education received a waiver from the United States Department of Education for the administration of the Keystone Exams and PSSA testing last Spring as a result of COVID-19. However, this year, no such waiver was granted, and all state standardized testing is required to move forward. The 2020-21 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and High School Keystone Examination window for PASD has been set for May 17th through June 4th. All testing is required to be administered in-person by the Department of Education.
Specific testing schedules will be communicated by principals, including testing plans for students who are learning virtually. Transportation to schools for testing purposes will be provided, as there is no virtual testing option available at this time. As always, in-person testing requirements such as cell phone use, electronic devices, and testing security still apply.
Parents who wish to opt out their child from Keystone or PSSA testing for religious reasons, must do the following:
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Contact your child’s principal to review the test
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You may not take photos or record the test in anyway
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Review of the test must be in the presence of an administrator or designee
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You must sign the security certificate
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You must sign the religious exemption form
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Send a request for exemption to the building principal and the Superintendent no later than May 14, 2021
Parents who wish to opt out their child for reasons other than religious, should click on the following link:
Parent Opt-Out Form and complete the form. Again, all exemptions must be received by May 14, 2021.
Should you have any additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact Assistant Superintendent
Le Roy Whitehead, Ed.D.