The Keystone Exams are assessments in Algebra I, Biology, and Literature.  These exams will be used for students to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of mathematics, science, and Literacy as a requirement to graduate from Donegal High School. Students are required to participate in these exams at the end of the course of study in Algebra I, Biology, and 10th grade Literature.  Students who fail to demonstrate proficiency at the end of each course will be required to participate in remediation and then retest.  Exams are administered in December 2019, January 2020, and May 2020. (Testing dates are subject to change)

District Keystone Graduation Requirements for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 are as follows:

Students can meet the district graduation requirement by satisfying one of the following:  

·         Demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Exam

·         Meet or exceed PVAAS projections as determined by historical testing data

·         Show growth on the Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT) Assessments

Statewide Keystone Graduation requirements for the class of 2022 and beyond are as follows:

Students can meet the statewide graduation requirement by satisfying one of the following:

• Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. 

• Earning a satisfactory composite score on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams. The passing composite score will be available in August 2019. 

• Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and satisfactorily complete one of the following: an alternative assessment (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB, Gold Level ACT WorkKeys), advanced coursework (AP, IB, concurrent enrollment courses), pre-apprenticeship, or acceptance in a 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education for college-level coursework.

• Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and pass the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) or the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) assessment in an approved Career and Technical Education concentration. 

• Earning a passing grade on the courses associated with each Keystone Exam, and demonstrate readiness for postsecondary engagement through three pieces of evidence from the student’s career portfolio aligned to student goals and career plan. Examples of evidence will include ACT WorkKeys, SAT Subject tests, AP, IB and concurrent coursework, higher education acceptance, community learning project, completion of an internship, externship or co-op or full-time employment.