By Tim Karan

Published: Tuesday, November 20, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Armstrong School District will conduct Keystone exams in English literature, algebra and biology in December and May.

Lynne Snyder, supervisor of curriculum and instruction for the Armstrong Intermediate Unit said the implementation of the test and its controversies are complicated.

“One advantage of the Keystone exams is that, because they are focused on the standards in a specific course and intended to be administered at the end of the course, students may perform at a higher level,” said Snyder.

“And most people would agree that's a plus.”

Transition worries

However, Snyder said it's the transition from the PSSA to the new format that could be problematic.

“Every 11th grader—with the exception of those who were tested during an initial round of Keystone exam testing in 2011—must take all three Keystone exams this year no matter how long ago they took the actual course involved or even whether or not they have ever taken the course,” she said.

“And most people would probably agree that's not a plus.”

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