Keystone Testing
April 2026
Dear High School Parents/Guardians:
Students currently enrolled in English 10, Algebra I and Biology will take the corresponding Keystone Exam this spring. Additionally, students who did not score proficient during a previous exam may also be taking the Keystone during this wave.
The Keystone Exams are composed of two modules on each test. The Keystone Exams will be divided across the morning and afternoon of the same day. See the schedule below for more details.
Biology
May 12, 2026
Morning - Module I
Afternoon - Module II
Literature
May 13, 2026
Morning - Module I
Afternoon - Module II
Algebra
May 14, 2026
Morning - Module I
Afternoon - Module II
MAKE-UPS
May 20 & 21, 2026
All students, in-person or South Park Eagle Academy, will be required to attend in-person on the scheduled testing days to take the Keystone Exam.
The Spring Keystone Exams will be administered in an online format, students will have an opportunity to experience online testing before taking the exam. Tutorials and online training programs have been developed for the Keystone Exams. The PA Online Assessment Tutorial uses pictures, motion, and sound to present visual and verbal descriptions of the properties and features of the PA Online Assessment system. The online tools training provides an introductory experience using the PA online assessment software allowing students to observe and try out features of the PA online assessment software prior to the exam.
Section 4.4 of Title 22, Chapter 4 provides for the rights of any parent or guardian to excuse his or her child from the state assessment if, upon inspection of the testing materials, they find the assessment to be in conflict with their religious beliefs. This is the only basis for a parent or guardian to opt his or her child out of participation in statewide assessments. Appointments for high school assessment review can be scheduled by contacting the high school office at ext. 2000. Parents reviewing the assessment(s) must sign a confidentiality agreement and review the assessment(s) in the presence of a staff member in order to determine whether the assessment conflicts with religious beliefs. If after following this process, a parent finds the assessment to conflict with religious beliefs, the parent or guardian must then submit a letter, documenting the conflict with religious beliefs, to the Office of the Superintendent for approval. Letters must be received by Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Please know that while this provision for religious exemption is provided, we strongly discourage opting children out of the state assessment due to the negative impact not only on state reporting of school- and district-level achievement, but also on our ability to provide timely, effective intervention and enrichment for each child we serve. All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Keystone Exam and to put forth their best effort.
As mandated by the state, during assessments, students are prohibited from having cell phones, smartphones, and other electronic devices. These devices will be collected as students enter the testing site. If there is a breach with possession and/or use of an electronic device, disciplinary action will be taken.
SCHEDULE FOR STUDENTS
7:05- 7:20 a.m.: All students enter the building and report to the cafeteria for breakfast. Students will remain in the cafeteria until directed to report to their testing room.
8:00- 10:00 a.m.: Module I - Students are in their designated testing room.
10:00- 10:45 a.m.: Break. Students that have completed module 1 will be taken to the gym. Students who require extra time will remain in their testing room.
10:45- 11:15 a.m.: Lunch
11:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.: Module II - Students are in their designated testing room.
2:00 -2:20 p.m.: Students will wait for dismissal.
If you have any further questions, please contact your child’s school counselor, Mrs. Bethany Chicora-Lewis, (bethany.chicora-lewis@sparksd.org or ext. 2011), Mrs. Liptak, (Natalie.liptak@sparksd.org or ext. 2012) or the High School Principal, Mr. Dellarose (justin.dellarose@sparksd.org or ext. 2003).
As always, thank you for your continued support.