Keystone Exams

Code of conduct

Understanding depth of knowledge and cognitive complexity

Exam scale and scoring

Exam Design Overview

FAQs (English)

FAQs (Spanish)

Cell phones and other electronic devices policy

Cell phones and other electronic devices policy (Spanish)

PA calculator policy

Algebra I Anchors and Eligible Content

Algebra I Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary

Algebra I Performance Level Descriptors

Algebra I Formula Sheet

Algebra I Formula Sheet (Spanish)

Algebra I Scoring Guidelines

Algebra I Item Sampler

Biology Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content

Biology Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary

Biology Performance Level Descriptors

Biology Scoring Guidelines

Biology Review Website 

Literature Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content

Literature Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary

Literature Performance Level Descriptors

Literature Scoring Guidelines

Act 158 and the adjoining state and district graduation requirement begins with the Class of 2023. Students will have multiple pathways to complete their state graduation requirements. While scoring “Proficient” or “Advanced” in all three content areas (Algebra I, Biology, and Literature) is one pathway, students who do not achieve those scores have four other graduation pathway options. Click HERE to learn more about Act 158 (graduation requirements) and HERE  to learn more about additional graduation pathways.

Students who scored “Proficient” or “Advanced” (raw scores of 1500+) in specific content area(s) have completed their Keystone graduation requirement for that content area(s). 

Students who scored “Basic” or “Below Basic” (raw scores below 1500) in specific content area(s) are expected to retest minimally one time before alternate graduation pathways are considered. At a later date, information will be communicated with students about remediation provided by the high school and retesting, as remediation and retesting is dependent on the student’s non-proficient content area(s), grade level, and current classes.