Principal Letter re Keystone Exams for Algebra

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Your child will be participating in the Pennsylvania Keystone Exam for Algebra 1 on May 21st and May 22nd, 2025. This exam is an end of course assessment designed to evaluate proficiency in this subject area.

The encouragement and support that you provide will help your child to achieve advanced and proficient scores on the Spring 2025 Keystone Exam. Beginning with the class of 2017, students must demonstrate proficiency on the Keystone Exam, or they will be required to re-take the exam. In addition, proficiency on the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam is one of the pre-requisites to move into Geometry.

Here are a few additional things to know in preparation for the exam:

*Students should bring two #2 pencils to the tests. Additional pencils will be available in the testing rooms if needed. We will provide scratch paper and highlighters (if needed).

*Students should bring their own calculators to the Keystone Exam. Please remember that iPads, phones, smart devices, and other like devices are not permitted to be used a calculators on the Keystone Exam.

*Students are not permitted to bring any electronic devices into the testing room. (ex. iPad, Airpods, iPods, smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) These devices should be locked in their lockers during the testing period. Please be aware that the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has issued an electronic device policy due to the unprecedented number of issues during the statewide assessment process. PDE requests that parents and students understand the integrity of the test cannot be compromised.

*Students should bring an appropriate novel or magazine to read for pleasure when they are done with testing. Per state regulations, written work, drawing, or coloring is not permitted after testing is completed.

*It is very important that students are well rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time. This will ensure that they will be ready to do their best.

As we approach the test, we will also provide you with additional Keystone resources, including: Information for Parents and Guardians about the Pennsylvania Keystone Exams, the Code of Conduct for Test Takers, Electronic Device Guidelines, and the PA Calculator Policy.

We look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure the best possible results for the children at Shaler Area Middle School. Thank you for your cooperation and participation in the testing process.

Sincerely,

Mitch Shaw

Assistant Principal

School Assessment Coordinator/Test Coordinator