The Pennsylvania state assessment and accountability system is comprised of assessments and the reporting associated with the results of those assessments. The assessment system includes the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), the Keystone Exams, and the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA).
The PSSAs are grade level assessments offered near the end of the year in grades 3-8 in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science.
The Keystone Exams are offered in high school at the completion of Biology, Algebra, and Literature courses.
The PASA is offered near the end of the year in grades 3-8 and 11 in ELA, Mathematics and Science.
Both the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act require students with disabilities to be included in the state assessment and accountability system. Most students with disabilities will participate in the PSSA or Keystone Exams with or without accommodations. A very small number of students with the most significant disabilities will meet the eligibility requirements to participate in the PASA.
More information regarding accountability and graduation requirements is available at the
PA Department of Education Assessment and Accountability website.