The following is a review of the new Pennsylvania graduation proficiency requirements.  The new rules were effective January 9, 2010.

          The changes to the regulations reflect the addition of the “Keystone Exams,” which will replace the 11th grade PSSA test and 12th grade re-tests. The State graduation requirements will be phased in over a period of time.  Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the following manner in the corresponding years:

Up through the Class of 2013-2014-

Current Grades 8 through 12 – Class of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 - requirements remain as they currently stand; with students being required to demonstrate proficiency in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

Class of 2015 and 2016 –

Current Grades 6 and 7 - the law requires graduates to demonstrate proficiency in the specific areas of English Composition, Literature, Algebra I and Biology. 

Beginning with the Class of 2017 –

Current students in Grade 5 and under - students must demonstrate proficiency in both English Composition and Literature, two of three Mathematics courses (Algebra I, Algebra II orGeometry), one of two Sciences (Biology or Chemistry), and one of three Social Studies (American History, Civics and Government or World History). 

The following is a definition of what is required to demonstrate proficiency. 

*“Proficiency is to be determined through either:

(1)      Successful completion of a course in which the Keystone Exam was the course final exam, and counted for at least 1/3 of the student’s grade, or  

(2)      A locally approved, independently validated assessment.  Local assessments may include the use of one or more Keystone Exams.  Local assessments will be validated once every six years by an approved entity. Validation costs are to be equally shared between PDE and the school district.

                    If a student is unable to meet either of these requirements, the student                              may supplement a Keystone Exam score through satisfactory completion                              of a project-based assessment.”
                                               (*Excerpted from A. Rankin, Weiss Law Offices, January 26, 2010)

Appointments for vaccinations can be made 24 hours a day at www.H1N1inPA.com under “What’s Hot.”  Appointments also may be made by calling 1-877-PA HEALTH (1-877-724-3258), Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Extensive Wellness Information can be found on our website under Administration /Pupil Services / Health Services