Keystone+Exams

The Keystone Examsare end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in various subjects. During the 2012-2013 school year the following Keystone Exams will be available: Algebra I, Literature and Biology. In future years, pending funding, additional Keystone Exams will be administered.

The Keystone Exams are one component of Pennsylvania’s proposed system of high school graduation requirements. Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.


 * DOK: Depth of Knowledge**

Webb's Depth of Knowledge (DOK) is a shift that PDE is using to create questions on the Keystone exams. The DOK also related heavily to the PA Common Core standards:





General Information

 * [|Keystone State Summary Reports]
 * [|Keystone Exam Scale Score Ranges]
 * [|Keystone Exam Design Overview]
 * [|2012 Assessment Transition Powerpoint]
 * [|Assessment Update - July 2012]
 * [|2012 2013 Keystone Exams Testing Windows (rev. 7.25.2012)]
 * [|Keystone Exam Information for Parents/Guardians - August 2012]
 * [|Keystone Exam Information for Parents/Guardians (Spanish Language Edition) - August 2012]
 * [|Assessment Transition FAQ (rev. 9.24.2012)]
 * [|Keystone Exams Calculator Policy]

Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs)

 * [|Keystone Exams DRAFT PLDs Introduction]
 * [|Algebra I Keystone PLD]
 * [|Literature Keystone PLD]
 * [|Biology Keystone PLD]

Item and Scoring Samplers

 * [|Literature Keystone Feb 2011 Item and Scoring Sampler]
 * [|Algebra I Keystone Feb 2011 Item and Scoring Sampler]
 * [|Biology Keystone Feb 2011 Item and Scoring Sampler]

Mathematics

 * Algebra I
 * [|Algebra I Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary]
 * [|Algebra I General Descriptions of Scoring Guidelines]
 * [|Algebra I Formula Sheet]
 * [|Algebra I Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]
 * ====Algebra II====
 * [|Algebra II Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary]
 * [|Algebra II General Descriptions of Scoring Guidelines]
 * [|Algebra II Formula Sheet]
 * [|Algebra II Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]
 * ====Geometry====
 * [|Geometry Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary]
 * [|Geometry General Descriptions of Scoring Guidelines]
 * [|Geometry Formula Sheet]
 * [|Geometry Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]
 * ====Calculators====
 * [|Online Calculator Manual]
 * [|Keystone Calculator Policy]

Literature and Composition

 * ====Literature====
 * [|Literature Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary]
 * [|Literature General Descriptions of Scoring Guidelines]
 * [|Literature Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]
 * ====English Composition====
 * [|English Composition Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]
 * [|English Composition Glossary]
 * [|English Composition Expository Scoring Guidelines]
 * [|English Composition Persuasive Scoring Guidelines]
 * [|English Composition Conventions Scoring Guidelines]

Science

 * ====Biology====
 * [|Biology Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample Questions and Glossary]
 * [|Biology General Descriptions of Scoring Guidelines]
 * ====Chemistry====
 * [|Chemistry Keystone Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]


 * Social Studies**
 * ====Civics and Government====
 * [|Civics and Government Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content]

Accommodations

 * [|Accommodations for Students without IEPs or 504 Plans]
 * [|Accommodations for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans]
 * [|Accommodations for English Language Learners]