Oct. 10, 2018
Legislation would allow students options beyond Keystone Exams to prove graduation readiness
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week approved legislation that would provide Pennsylvania students with additional options to fulfilling high school graduation requirements beyond the Keystone Exams.
“I am pleased to see that my colleagues in the House agree that we need to move away from placing so much emphasis on a single set of exams and, instead, allow more options for students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge that will prepare them for future success,” said Charlton.
Under Senate Bill 1095, students who do not score proficient on the Keystone Exams would be able to demonstrate their graduation readiness through alternative means. The bill outlines several options for assessing student performance that also give teachers more flexibility with classroom instruction time.
Some alternatives include a student’s successful completion of work-based learning programs, a service learning project, or an offer of full-time employment as evidence of post-secondary readiness.
“The education system is changing, and we are more aware than ever before that a student’s academic prowess does not always shine through on a written test,” said Charlton. “Pennsylvania needs to evolve and modernize its approach to education and testing, and Senate Bill 1095 is a solid step in that direction.”
As part of the bill, the Keystone Exam graduation requirement would be put on hold until the 2021-22 academic year. The alternate graduation options in Senate Bill 1095 would take effect when that delay expires.
Senate Bill 1095 now goes back to the state Senate for concurrence.
Representative Alexander Charlton
165th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: David Foster
267.207.0207
dfoster@pahousegop.com
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