FYI---Delay of the Keystone Exams

From:   Carolyn C. Dumaresq, Deputy Secretary
        Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Re:     Delay of the Keystone Exams

The purpose of this message is to insure a clear understanding of the proposed one year delay of the implementation of the Keystone Exams and to restate the Department's expectations with regard to the spring testing cycle.  The Keystone exams will be implemented in May 2011 as planned. All seventh and eighth grade students enrolled in Algebra I and Biology (where applicable) in school districts that plan to use the Keystone Exam as part of their future graduation requirements must participate in the program this spring.  According to the regulations, these students will be exempt from the proficiency requirement since cut scores will not be set until after school ends.

All other students enrolled in classes for which a Keystone Exam is available are encouraged to participate in both the operational and field tests.  Data from the May 2011 operational administration will be used to determine cut scores for the performance levels for these assessments.  In addition, participating districts will receive useful data about the performance of their current students on the new exams.

The State Budget proposal for next year (2011 - 2012), presented by Governor Corbett, proposes a one-year pause in the development and implementation of Keystone Exams.   It is important to note that this delay will not adversely impact students.  As noted above, in developing this initiative the State Board of Education anticipated that fiscal challenges might require course corrections in implementation of the reform and included a waiver provision to ensure that no student is negatively affected by a delay in implementation.  The additional time also will allow districts to make certain that local curriculum is fully aligned with the content assessed by Keystones and to provide associated professional development.

The Department's work on other components of the new high school graduation requirements - including development of the project-based alternative assessments - will continue to move ahead.   Additionally, the voluntary model curriculum, classroom diagnostic tools and other SAS resources - key components of the broader reform - will continue to serve students and schools during 2011-2012.

Sincerely,

Carolyn C. Dumaresq, Ed.D.

Itinerary for tomorrow

Icebreaker: The Budget
Presentation M. Johnson Group
Presentation D. Johnson Group
Review of reading
Sharing of log experiences
Interview panel:
Mr. Baddick Crestwood
Mr. Long Nanticoke
Mr. Pipech Lake Lehman

Interesting Clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3I4_8_MAPk

Gov's Address Today

https://mail.ltsd.k12.pa.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=2d8f887a1cff4eb4876ccda93cdb8b69&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.heretohelp.pa.gov%2fportal%2fserver.pt%2fcommunity%2fmedia%2f3013

Budget Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7lGTxBjJ1g&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

The 2011-2012 State Budget proposal

From: ED, Office of Secretary Tomalis [RA-PDESecretary@state.pa.us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2011 4:13 PM
To: ED, Office of Secretary Tomalis
Subject: Keystone Exams

Dear Superintendents, I.U. Executive Directors, Charter School Administrators and CTC Directors:

The 2011-2012 State Budget proposal presented by Governor Corbett today includes many difficult decisions to address a significant budget shortfall.  While the Department remains committed to the new system of high school graduation requirements that took effect just over one year ago, fiscal constraints will delay implementation of certain provisions, including the use of Keystone Exams during the 2011-2012 school year.                                                             

The Governor’s proposal reflects a one-year pause in the development and implementation of Keystone Exams.  It is important to note that this delay will not adversely impact students.  Fortunately, in developing this initiative the State Board of Education anticipated that fiscal challenges might require course corrections in implementation of the reform and included a waiver provision to ensure that no student is negatively affected by a delay in implementation.  The additional time also will allow districts to make certain that local curriculum is fully aligned with the content assessed by Keystones and to provide associated professional development.

The Department’s work on other components of the new high school graduation requirements – including development of the project-based alternative assessments – will continue to move ahead.   Additionally, the voluntary model curriculum, classroom diagnostic tools and other SAS resources – key components of the broader reform – will continue to serve students and schools during 2011-2012.

Attached, we’ve provided a Frequently Asked Questions document that responds to potential questions surrounding the implementation of Keystone Exams.  Please continue to use the graduation requirements resource account – https://mail.ltsd.k12.pa.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=2d8f887a1cff4eb4876ccda93cdb8b69&URL=mailto%3ara-gradreq%40state.pa.us – to raise any questions or concerns.  Thank you for your ongoing support in implementing this initiative, and for all your work on behalf of Pennsylvania’s school children.

We’ll continue to be in touch.

Sincerely,

Ronald J. Tomalis

Acting Secretary of Education

Keystone Exams FAQs

1.       Is the PDE still going to implement the new system of high school graduation requirements?

Yes; however, fiscal constraints will delay implementation of certain provisions, including the use of Keystone Exams during the 2011-2012 school year.

2.       Why the delay?

The delay is a result of a combination of factors including the $20 million cost anticipated for 2011-12.  In addition these exams are rigorous and early results from the field tests and Class Diagnostic tests indicate that providing schools with an additional year to align their curriculum to this more challenging content is necessary.  Lastly, the project-based assessment component of the Chapter 4 regulations requires additional time for development and field testing.

3.       When will the specific Keystone Exams be available?

During 2012-2013, the following exams will be available:  Literature, English Composition, Algebra I, and Biology.  A Social Studies Keystone will be field tested in 2012-2013 for use during 2013-2014.

4.       When will the Keystone Exams replace the grade 11 PSSAs?

The PSSA will continue through 2012-2013.  We expect the Keystones to be approved and in use for AYP during 2013-2014.  This timeline aligns precisely with the transition plan for the newly-adopted Pennsylvania Common Core Standards.

5.       Will PDE still provide supports to districts?

Yes.  The Voluntary Model Curriculum, Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT), and other SAS resources will not be impacted by the one-year delay in Keystone Exam development and administration. 

6.       How will this change in the schedule impact students in the Classes of 2015, 2016, and beyond?

The State Board’s rulemaking provides adequate flexibility in the language of Chapter 4 Regulations:  

“Students who will graduate in the 2014-2015 school year or thereafter, who successfully complete courses… for which Keystone Exams or local validated assessments were not available at the time the course was completed, shall be deemed proficient for purposes of this section.”

Essentially, these students are exempt from the state proficiency requirement.  Local district requirements will not be impacted.

7.       Is there a guarantee of funding for Keystones to continue in 2012-2013?

The Keystone Exams create an opportunity for consistency in the rigor of requirements for all students in Pennsylvania public high schools prior to graduation therefore, it is imperative that we continue with this effort.  PDE remains committed to the Keystone program and expect it to continue subject to annual funding.

8.       Should School Districts continue, as planned, to participate in the spring 2011 Keystone Exam testing program?

Yes.  It is important to participate for two reasons.  First, the data will be used to set the cut scores for the performance levels.   Second, districts will receive useful Keystone Exam results for the students who participate.

Schools faced with thinning budgets

On Nightly News Tonight-
Should schools struggling with budgetary constraints be able to furlough veteran teachers?
- New Jersey (Chris Christie) and Wisconsin are carrying the torch which Rhode Island fired up! Remember the Rhode Island school which dismissed all teachers and offered them to reapply? They are looking for a "renewable contract." Just think about how this will affect the position of principal? Let's make this our discussion topic Sunday.