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    KEYSTONE TESTING FOR WINTER 2020

    Information Regarding Keystone Testing:

    Please view this video for detailed information about the Winter 2020 Keystone Exams.

    VIDEO: Updated Keystones & Graduation Requirements

    Communication to Sophomores and Juniors - Keystone and Graduation Requirements

    Communication to Seniors - Keystone Schedule

    PDE Keystone Policy for Cellphones and Electronic Devices

    PDE Keystone Parent and Guardian Letter

    KSE Code of Conduct for Test Takers

    Keystone Exams FAQ 

     

    OPT-OUT FORM

     

    Regarding Winter Testing in Dec. 2020 & Jan. 2021:

    To provide the safest testing environment possible in alignment with CBSD’s Healthy and Safety plan, the Keystone Exams will be facilitated online, and students will use their district issued 1:1 laptop to complete the exam(s).

    Students currently enrolled in English 10, Algebra 1, or Biology will be administered the corresponding Keystone Assessment(s):

    CB West Winter Keystone Exam Administration Schedule

     

    Winter Wave I:

    Keystone Literature Exam

     

    December 2: Virtual Students Only

    • 7:25am-1:17pm District Transportation will not be provided.

    December 8: H1 & H2 Students

    • 7:25am-1:17pm only students in H1 & H2 who are scheduled to sit for the KSE Literature Exam will report to the building.
    • MBIT students who are sitting for the Literature Keystone Exam will remain at West to test.
    • District Transportation will run as scheduled.
    • All other students will receive asynchronous instruction online.

    December 10, 14, 15: Make-up Days

    • Arranged on an individual basis with the School Assessment Coordinator

    Winter Wave II:

    Keystone Biology Exam

    January 6: Virtual Students Only

    • 7:25am-1:17pm District Transportation will not be provided.

    January 8: H1 & H2 Students

    • 7:25am-1:17pm only students in H1 & H2 who are scheduled to sit for the KSE Biology Exam will report to the building.
    • MBIT students who are sitting for the Biology Keystone Exam will remain at West to test.
    • District Transportation will run as scheduled.
    • All other students will receive asynchronous instruction online.

    January 11, 14: Make- Up Days

    • Arranged on an individual basis with the School Assessment Coordinator

    Winter Wave II:

     

    Keystone Algebra Exam

     

    January 12 H1 & H2 Students

    • 7:25am-1:17pm only students in H1 & H2 who are scheduled to sit for the KSE Algebra 1 Exam will report to the building.
    • MBIT students who are sitting for the Algebra Keystone Exam will remain at West to test.
    • District Transportation will run as scheduled.
    • All other students will receive asynchronous instruction online.

    January 13: Virtual Students Only

    • 7:25am-1:17pm District Transportation will not be provided.

    January 14, 15: Make-up Days

    • Arranged on an individual basis with the School Assessment Coordinator

      

    Below is important information about Keystone Assessments for the 2020-21 school year:

    Regarding Winter Testing from December 2019 and January 2020:

    If your child participated in Literature, Algebra 1, or Biology Keystone Assessments in December or January, scores are available in Parent Portal.

     

    Regarding Winter Testing in December 2020 and January 2021:

    Students currently enrolled in English 10, Algebra 1, or Biology will be administered the corresponding Keystone Assessment(s) during the month of December for Literature and January for Algebra 1 and Biology.  Specific dates are as follows:

    Literature

    • December 2nd and December 8th, with make-ups December 10th, 14th and 15th

    Biology

    • January 6th and January 8th, with make-ups January 11th and 14th

    Algebra

    • January 12th and January 13th, with make-ups January 14th and 15th

     

    Students enrolled in English 10, Algebra 1, or Biology during the 2nd semester will test in May.

     

    Keystone 'Day of Test' Schedule for Students

    Testing Schedule​

    7:10-7:25​

    Students report directly to their testing room upon arrival​

    7:25-8:00​

    Attendance and Testing Administration Directions for Module 1​

    8:00-10:00​

    Begin Module 1 Testing ​

    10:00-10:45​

    Wellness Break​

    10:45-11:00​

    Testing Administration Directions for Module 2​

    11:00-1:00​

    Begin Module 2 Testing​

    1:00-1:17​

    Materials Collection ​

    1:17​

    Student Dismissal​

      

    Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2023 and beyond:

    Senate Bill 1216 delayed the timeline for enforcing Keystone Exam proficiency as a graduation requirement until the Class of 2023.

     

    To opt your child out of taking one or more Keystone Exam(s), a parent/guardian must notify the school in writing of their desire to do so using this Click Here for Opt-Out Form. There is no requirement to view the test beforehand as in previous years. Please complete this form if you wish to opt your child out of testing by 11:59pm on November 20, 2020 so we can plan accordingly. You will receive a receipt upon completion of the form.

     

    Important Note About Opting-Out of Keystone Exams

    While Senate Bill 1216 grants families the ability to opt-out of the exam, it does not exempt students in the Class of 2023 and beyond from the graduation requirements enacted with Act 158. Please understand that students in the Class of 2023 and beyond will still be required to demonstrate proficiency in Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology by successfully completing one of the 5 Pathways below.

     

    1. Keystone Proficiency Pathway: Passing all three Keystone Exams(Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature)
    2. Composite Score Pathway: Scoring proficient or advanced on at least one Keystone Exam and scoring at least Basic on the other two Keystone Exams with a minimum composite score of 4452.
    3. Career & Technical Pathway: Earning a passing grade in a Keystone-aligned course AND either: 
    • Attaining an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator’s program of study

    OR 

    • Demonstrating a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment or readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator’s program of study

     

    1. Alternate Assessment Pathway– Earning a passing grade in a Keystone-aligned course AND one of the following:
    • Attain the minimum score on one of the following subject-aligned tests: AP (3); PSAT (970); SAT (1010); ACT (21); ASVAB (minimum score required to gain admittance to a branch of the military)

    OR 

    • Successfully complete a concurrent enrollment course in a subject-aligned course (a list of courses is pending)

    OR 

    • Be accepted in an accredited 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education 

     

    1. Evidence-Based Pathway– Earning a passing grade in a Keystone-aligned course AND three pieces of evidence 

    At least one of the following:

    • Attainment of a minimum score ACT WorkKeys assessment, SAT subject-test, or Advanced Placement Exam
    • Acceptance to an accredited nonprofit institution of higher education other than a 4-year institution and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework
    • Attainment of an industry-recognized credential;
    • Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course

    Two additional pieces from the following:

    • Satisfactory completion of a service-learning project-Currently under development
    • Attainment of a score of proficient or advanced on a Keystone Exam
    • A letter guaranteeing full-time employment
    • Certificate of successful completion of an internship or cooperative education  
    • Satisfactory compliance with the NCAA’s core courses for college-bound student athletes with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

    Families of current 10th graders should consider this requirement and begin planning for the alternate pathway to graduation should they choose to not take the Keystone Exam(s) this year. If you have questions about whether your child should participate in the Keystone Exams this year, please contact your child’s school counselor or house principal.

     

    Keystone Retake Procedures:

    In addition, students who take a Keystone Exam but do not score at the proficient level may retake a Keystone Exam. We strongly suggest that students practice and retest to demonstrate proficiency, as they are requirements for the class of 2023 and beyond as outlined above. This will be the most direct way for students to satisfy the Keystone graduation requirements.

     

    Literature Testing Review:

    Literature Study Island: Study Island is a web-based program designed to review literature content.  Your child can access lessons and practice on each topic.

    To obtain login information, your child can ask his/her current English teacher. If your child is not currently enrolled in an English class, he/she can see Mrs. Rosselli in room C116 or email her for assistance crosselli@cbsd.org.

    Access / Extra Help: Any student with questions about the Keystone Literature content or preparation should speak with his/her former English 10 teacher or current English teacher. Formal help sessions may be scheduled with English teachers by coordinating with the English Department Chair, Mrs. Rosselli.

    Peer review is also offered through our Peer Tutoring Program.  Please contact your school counselor or Mrs. Bagnick at lbagnick@cbsd.org to set up an appointment with a peer tutor.

    Teachers have provided review materials for students to use and practice during these sessions. Students may sign up in the guidance office. 

     

    Algebra 1 Testing Review:

    Alg Review Sessions:

    Review Sessions will be offered (via Teams):

    District Algebra 1 Keystone Information Website:  https://www.cbsd.org/Page/36489

     

    Any student with questions about the Keystone Algebra content or preparation should speak with his/her former Algebra teacher or current Algebra teacher.

    Peer review is also offered through our Peer Tutoring Program.  Please contact your school counselor or Mrs. Bagnick at lbagnick@cbsd.org to set up an appointment with a peer tutor.

    Teachers have provided review materials for students to use and practice during these sessions. Students may sign up in the guidance office.

     

    Biology Testing Review:

    Click on this link for Biology Tutoring Help

    Biology Review Session:

    Any student with questions about the Keystone Biology content or preparation should speak with his/her former Biology teacher or current Biology teacher.

    Peer review is also offered through our Peer Tutoring Program.  Please contact your school counselor or Mrs. Bagnick at lbagnick@cbsd.org to set up an appointment with a peer tutor.

    Teachers have provided review materials for students to use and practice during these sessions. Students may sign up in the guidance office.

     

    Testing Supports at CB West:
    Testing Resources for Algebra, Biology, and Literature

    Testing Resources and Information:
    Item and Scoring Sampler - Algebra 1 
    Item and Scoring Sampler - Biology
    Item and Scoring Sampler - Literature

     Testing Resources from the Central Bucks School District:
    CBSD Algebra Keystone Resources
    CBSD Biology Keystone Resources
    CBSD Literature Keystone Resources

    Testing Information for Parents and Guardians: 
    Pennsylvania Department of Education FAQ--PA Keystone Exams-Information for Parents & Guardians

    Information from CBSD Student Services

    Testing Requirements:

    The Pennsylvania State Assessment System includes three Keystone Exams designed to measure end-of-course achievement in Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology. These three Keystone Exams have been developed to provide information about student achievement/proficiency and also meet federal requirements.  Students currently enrolled in English 10, Algebra I, or Biology will be administered the corresponding Keystone Assessment(s) when scheduled for that particular course.  The Keystone exams are one component of Pennsylvania's system of high school graduation requirements.

    Khan Academy Links for Algebra 1:

    Module 1

    1.1 Operations
    (Please note.  Module 1.1 Operations contains the greatest number of topics to master but is not weighted more heavily than the other assessment areas.  For this reason, it makes sense to focus on 1.1 AFTER remediating the other five assessment anchors first.)
    Combining Like Terms
    Exponent Rules
    Exponent Rules Continued 
    Simplifying Expressions with Exponents
    Multiplying Polynomials
    Factoring Difference of Squares
    Simplifying Radicals

    1.2 Linear Equations and Systems
    Writing Expressions
    Linear_Equations
    Linear_Equation_Word_Problems
    Systems of Equations with Elimination Part:1
    Systems of Equations with Elimination
    Systems of Equations with Substitution
    Systems of Equations Word Problems

    1.3 Linear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities
    Linear Inequalities
    Graphs of Inequalities
    Graphing Systems of Inequalities

    Module 2

    2.1 Functions and Patterns
    Domain and Range
    Identifying_Points
    Finding Equations of Lines from Tables

    2.2 Coordinate Geometry
    Slope of a Line
    Slope and_y-intercept
    Slope and Direction of a Line
    Graphing Linear Equations
    Slope Intercept Form 
    Converting between Slope Intercept and Standard Form
    Point Slope Form

    2.3 Probability and Data Analysis
    Probability
    Independent_Probability
    Stem_and_Leaf_Plots
    Mean, Median_and_Mode
    Box_and_Whisker_Plots