TE School Board Supports Eliminating Keystone Exams

The Tredyffrin/Easttown Board of School Directors would like to see the Keystone Exams eliminated.

The Board of School Directors last week approved a resolution in support of House Bill 168, which would eliminate the Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement in Pennsylvania.

Students in the class of 2017 and beyond must pass Literature, Algebra I and Biology exams to earn their high school diplomas. Beginning in 2019, they will also have to pass a Composition exam; in 2020, they will also have to pass a Civics and Government exam.

According to the Board of School Directors, the Keystone Exams can have the following negative outcomes for students:

• Potential greater impact on students with special needs or students who experience test anxiety
• Excessive testing and remediation (potentially 2 years for each course)
• Reduced opportunities for students to schedule desired courses
• Residual negative impact on graduation and college admissions
• Possible disengagement and negative attitudes toward school
• Redirection of school funding from existing programs to support Keystone Exam implementation

Read the full resolution in support of House Bill 168 here.

The TE Board of School Directors is urging residents to write their legislators to express support for the bill. Find a sample letter here.

What do you think about the Keystone Exams?