The documents and links in the section below will provide information about state and national testing. State testing is assessment by the Pennsylvania State System of Assessment (PSSA) for grades 3 through 8 and Keystone Examinations for high school students. The National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) occurs when specific grades and schools are randomly selected for participation.
The PSSA evaluates student performance related to standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics in grades 3 through 8. Student performance related Science standards are evaluated only in grades 4 and 8.
The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the PASA does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments. Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to BSE if it anticipates that more than 1.0 % of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the PDE website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations. LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Ridley School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2019-20 testing cycle. The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education. Questions on the district participation rates should be directed to Dr. Gina Ciallella at
[email protected]. Further information can be found in the eBackpack or in the documents below.
The Keystone Examinations evaluate student performance related to standards in the content areas of Algebra, Biology, and Literature.
NAEP, while randomly selected, is not the only national assessment. Other national assessments that students are encouraged to explore are the a Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), American College Testing (ACT), Advanced Placement (AP), and Scholastic Aptitude (SAT).
English learners also may demonstrate their proficiency of this additional language through the World Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA).