Keystone Exams

The Keystone Exams are one component of Pennsylvania’s system of high school graduation requirements for
students in the class of 2023 and beyond. The exams are end-of-course assessments designed to measure
proficiency in the courses of Algebra I, Biology, and Literature, and the results are used in state and federal
accountability reporting.

Upper St. Clair students enrolled in the following Keystone Exam courses will be tested in the respective content areas:

• Algebra I
• Biology
• English 10 (Literature)
  
  

2022-23 Keystone Testing Dates:

Please make every effort to have your child attend school on the testing dates. Students who miss school on testing dates will be required to make-up these assessments upon returning to school.

Assessment Results

For students in the Class of 2023 or beyond, statewide graduation requirements include proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Biology, and Literature. Students have options for meeting graduation requirements through passing the course-affiliated Keystone Exams and other pathways. Assessment results will be sent to families when they are received.

Testing Participation

All students who are enrolled in Algebra I, Biology and/or English 10 will complete the Keystone Exam for that subject. Students who missed a previous administration of one or more of these subjects will take the Keystone exam for that subject as well.

Parents/guardians may review the Keystone Exams if they believe they may be in conflict with their religious beliefs. Please contact the respective assessment coordinator to arrange an appointment:

• Fort Couch Middle School
  Mrs. Jessica Robinson, School Counselor
  jrobinson@uscsd.k12.pa.us  or  412-833-1600 x3010
  
  
• Upper St. Clair High School
  Ms. Cara Senger, Assistant Principal
  csenger@uscsd.k12.pa.us  or  412-833-1600 x2254

If, after viewing the exams, parents wish to exclude their child from testing due to a conflict with their religious beliefs, the parent may write a letter specifying their objection to Dr. John Rozzo, Superintendent, which must be received by the close of business on the Friday before test administration. 

2023 Keystone Exam Information for Parents from PDE

Report Interpretation Guide

The Student Report displays how a student performed on each Keystone Exam. This guide helps explain the scores on the student’s report. If the student did not take both modules of an exam, part of the report is blank. Remember, these exams are only one measure of the student’s academic growth.

• 2022 Keystone Exams Report Interpretation Guide