The annual Pennsylvania System School Assessment (PSSA) is a standards-based assessment which provides an understanding of student and school performance. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 3 through 8 is assessed in English Language Arts and math. Every Pennsylvania student in grades 4 and 8 is assessed in science.

Individual student scores, provided only to the student’s school, can be used to assist teachers in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities. School scores provide information for curriculum and instruction improvement discussions and planning.

PSSA Tips for Success

Students should:

• Get a good night's sleep.
• Eat breakfast. Breakfast is available in each school daily as detailed here.
• Be present during testing and arrive at school on time on testing days.
• Try their best! Students should not get discouraged if they get stuck on a question. Instead, encourage them to make their best guess and move on. If they finish early, they can go back.

Grades 3-5

• April 22, 24 & 25: ELA (Grades 3-5)
• April 29 & 30: Math (Grades 3-5)
• May 1 & 2 (Grade 4 only)

Grades 6-8

• ELA: April 24, 25 & 26 (Grades 6-8)
• Math: April 30 & May 1 (Grades 6-8)
• Science: May 2 & 3 (Grade 8 only)

Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in Algebra I, Biology and Grade 10 Literature, and make up one component of Pennsylvania's statewide high school graduation requirements.

All high school and middle school students currently enrolled in Algebra I, Biology and Grade 10 Literature will take the Keystone Exam for that course.

Keystone Exam scores help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards.