Do you have to pass the keystones to graduate in PA 2023?

To directly answer the question, no, you do not necessarily have to pass the Keystone Exams to graduate in PA in 2023, as Act 158 provides alternatives to the statewide requirement of passing three end-of-course Keystone Exams. Starting with the graduating class of 2023, students will have the option to demonstrate post-secondary preparedness by completing one of four pathways, offering more flexibility in meeting graduation requirements.

Understanding Keystone Exams and Graduation Requirements

The Keystone Exams were intended to serve as a statewide requirement for graduation, but due to a series of moratoriums, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has introduced alternative pathways to graduation. For the class of 2023 and beyond, graduation requirements include completing a set number of credits and fulfilling specific course requirements, with the option to demonstrate proficiency through alternative assessments or projects.

FAQs About Keystone Exams and Graduation Requirements

General Information

1. Are keystones a graduation requirement in PA?: As of 2023, due to Act 158, students have alternative pathways to demonstrate post-secondary preparedness, making passing the Keystone Exams not the sole requirement for graduation.
2. What are the graduation requirements for 2023 in PA?: Students must complete a set number of credits (24 for regular education, 23 for two-year career and technical education, and 22 for three-year career and technical education) and fulfill specific course requirements, with options to demonstrate proficiency through alternative assessments or projects.
3. What happens if you don’t pass the keystones in PA?: If a student fails a Keystone Exam, they will participate in a remediation program and can retake the exam, with the option to complete a Keystone Project if they still haven’t passed by their junior year.

Keystone Exams and Opt-Out Options

4. Can I opt my child out of Keystone Exams in PA?: Yes, Pennsylvania regulations allow parents/guardians to opt their child out of participating in the PSSA, Keystone Exams, and/or PASA by following specific steps, including signing a confidentiality agreement and viewing a copy of each test.
5. How do I opt out of Keystone Exams 2023?: Parents/guardians must provide a written request stating their objection to the Superintendent or Chief Executive Officer, based on religious beliefs or other objections.

Keystone Exam Details and Alternatives

6. Are PA keystones mandatory?: While students must take the Keystone Exams for federal accountability purposes, Act 158 offers alternative pathways to graduation, making passing the exams not mandatory for graduation.
7. Do you have to pass Keystone?: To graduate, a student must receive a passing grade on courses associated with each Keystone Exam and satisfactorily complete one of several alternatives, such as an alternative assessment, advanced coursework, or a pre-apprenticeship.
8. What are the two main requirements to graduate high school in Pennsylvania?: Previously, scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam and earning a satisfactory composite score were key requirements, but Act 158 has introduced more flexible pathways.

Graduation Requirements and Keystone Exams

9. What are the requirements to graduate high school in PA?: Required courses include English, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education, and health, with the balance of credits comprised of electives, and students can choose from alternative pathways to demonstrate proficiency.
10. How many keystones do you have to pass to graduate in PA?: Under Act 158, students are not required to pass all three Keystone Exams to graduate but must complete one of the alternative pathways.
11. Why do you need to pass keystones?: The Keystone Exams are designed to assess proficiency in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology, guiding students toward meeting state standards, but passing them is no longer the sole requirement for graduation.

Colleges, Scores, and Opting Out

12. Do colleges check keystones?: Currently, success on Keystone Exams is not a significant factor in college admissions decisions, as colleges focus on other aspects of a student’s application.
13. How do I check my Keystone score 2023?: Scores will be available on the SchoolNet website in the Parent Portal, allowing parents and students to access their results.
14. How many people fail the Keystones?: The failure rate varies, with a significant percentage of students not achieving a proficient score, particularly in Algebra I, prompting the need for alternative pathways to graduation.
15. What score is passing on Keystones?: The Proficient score is set at 1500 for all exams, providing a clear benchmark for students to aim for, although passing the exams is no longer the sole requirement for graduation.