In a recent government meeting, significant changes to standardized testing in Pennsylvania were discussed, particularly regarding the PSSA and Keystone exams. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, all school districts in Pennsylvania will be mandated to conduct these assessments online, a shift that has been met with varying responses from different districts.

Currently, the majority of students in the district take the PSSAs using paper and pencil, with some accommodations allowing for online testing. However, the state has announced that science assessments, traditionally administered in the 4th grade, will now be moved to the 5th grade, aligning with new state standards. This year will serve as a pilot year for the new science standards, with the state waiving scores for students while still requiring them to take the tests.

The district leadership has decided to transition to online testing this year rather than wait for the mandated change next year. They believe this proactive approach will allow for better preparation and comparison across all grade levels. The first online assessments will occur in January for the winter Keystone exams, followed by the PSSAs in April and May.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) training that has begun this school year. This initiative aims to address the individual needs of students, ensuring that the curriculum effectively meets the needs of at least 80% of students at the Tier 1 level. The district is collaborating with various stakeholders and other school districts to enhance the training experience.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to adapting to state mandates while prioritizing student support and educational standards.