State Assessment Information
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) includes assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics which are taken by students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Students in grades 4 and 8 are administered the Science PSSA. The English Language Arts and Mathematics PSSAs include items that are consistent with the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. The Science PSSA includes items that are aligned to the Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science, Technology, Environment and Ecology.
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in three subjects: Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. The Keystone Exams are one component of Pennsylvania’s system of high school graduation requirements.
Calculators are permitted on select sections of all grades that take the PSSAs except for grade 3. Calculators are also permitted on the Algebra 1 and Biology Keystone exams. The Pennsylvania Department of Education puts some restrictions on the type of calculator that can be used.. However, the Lehighton Area School District provides an acceptable calculator to all test takers. If you are interested in learning more about the restriction imposed by the state, please read the PA Calculator Policy.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has strict guidelines on, not only cell phone use during testing, but also students being in possession of an electronical device during testing. Please see the PA Cell Phone Policy for more information.
All state testing is done within the timeframe established by the state. Please see the PSSA Testing Windows and the Keystone Testing Windows for more information on when testing will be taking place over the next several years.
Student participation in the mandatory state testing is critically important for the district report card. However, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Lehighton Area School District recognize that some families would like to opt out of testing for religious reasons. If this pertains to you, please review the Opting Out Information to learn the proper procedure to opt out of state testing.