Keystones

=__Keystone Exams for Social Studies:__= *****__6/7/12 Update__ - __status of Keystone Exam for Civics & Government__ - //The State Board of Education recently approved revisions to Chapter 4 of the Education Code. A __Civics & Government Keystone Exam will be instituted starting in 2016-17 school year__. The other original Keystones such as U.S. History can be an option to the overall Graduation Requirements (not likely to become a requirement).//****

=PA Standards Aligned System at: []=

=**Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content - Civics and Government Keystone** at: []=

Bill proposed, May 2012, to re-establish all Keystone Exams as originally approved, including social studies exams for U.S. History and Civics/Government:
**Committee Advances Bill Preserving Pennsylvania's Keystone Exams** HARRISBURG - The Senate Education Committee advanced today legislation sponsored by Chairman Jeffrey Piccola (R-15) that would prevent any efforts to delay the development or future implementation of the Commonwealth's Keystone Exams, course-specific tests required for high school graduation beginning with the Class of 2017. [|**Senate Bill 1436**] would prohibit the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) from taking action relating to the Keystone Exams prior to June 30, 2020 that would have the effect of eliminating, limiting or delaying development or implementation of the tests. The legislation would also prohibit the State Board of Education from making any rule or regulation or adopting any statement of policy, standard or principle that has the effect of eliminating, limiting or delaying implementation until June 2020. The Keystone Exams are end-of-course statewide assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Literature, English Composition, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, and Civics and Government. The exams are a component of Pennsylvania's new system of high school graduation requirements. "My legislation will ensure the process we began three years ago with the development of the Keystones will not be altered in any significant way. The original compromises struck were carefully made and balanced via regulatory and legislative deliberations. These exams are much needed to help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards and ultimately ensure a high school diploma means something in our Commonwealth," Piccola said. "While this legislation will move forward, I remain hopeful that we can achieve a compromise with PDE and the State Board to ensure the continuation of the Keystone Exams as lasting education reform spanning several gubernatorial administrations." The committee also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1436 which prohibits changing the Keystone Exams to "high stake tests" and maintains the current requirement that the exams count for at least one-third of a student's final course grade. In addition to Piccola's legislation, the panel approved Senate Bill 1440, a measure sponsored by Senator Andrew Dinniman (D-19), which would reimburse school districts, charter schools and cyber charter schools for costs incurred should PDE or the State Board of Education reduce the number of Keystone Exams to be developed and implemented. **CONTACT:** **Colleen Greer** 717-787-6801