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Keystone Requirements

Based on recent and ongoing legislative action in Pennsylvania, proficiency on Keystone Exams is a state graduation
requirement for students. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has issued a Frequently Asked Questions
document on this topic. The Pine-Richland School District website will be updated with current information and local
requirements. However, federal regulations still require schools to participate in state assessments. In addition, Pine-
Richland graduation policy requirements stipulate that students must demonstrate mastery of the PA Core Standards
on the Keystone Exams or local assessments. Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess
proficiency in three subjects: Algebra I, Literature and Biology. Keystone Exams are one component of Pennsylvania’s
system of high school graduation requirements and help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.

Keystone Exams are typically taken during the spring of the year in which a student is enrolled in the given
course. Students must demonstrate proficiency on each of the three Keystone Exams. If a student does not receive a score
of “Advanced” or “Proficient” on a Keystone Exam, the student is permitted to retest during designated windows
established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Students who score below proficient on any Keystone Exam are encouraged to complete a corresponding Keystone
supplemental instruction course. Pine-Richland High School offers two options for remediation: a face-to-face course
worth 0.5 elective credits in Algebra I and Biology and USA TestPrep for Literature, Algebra I, and Biology. High school
administrators and school counselors will work with students and families to make decisions about the appropriate
intervention(s) on an individual student basis.

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