Keystone Exams

Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments for students enrolled in Algebra 1, Biology, or Literature (English 10). Current law requires students to successfully pass each Keystone Exam as a condition for graduation in the 2020-2021 school year. Students are offered multiple opportunities to take the Keystone Exams throughout their high school career. For more information about the Exams, please see here.

 

Keystone Exams are divided into 2 modules. For a better understanding of the test design, please see here.

 

Keystone Test Dates

 

Biology	December 4, 2018
Algebra 1	December 5, 2018
Literature	December 6, 2018

 

 

Literature	May 14, 2019
Biology	May 15, 2019
Algebra 1	May 16, 2019

 

As a resource to students and parents, please use these resources to help prepare for the Keystone Exams.

 

KEYSTONE EXAMS OVERVIEW

Keystone Exams (PDE)

Performance Level Descriptors - Algebra I, Biology and Literature

 

ALGEBRA 1

Item and Scoring Sampler - Algebra I - 2017

Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content - Algebra I with Sample Items

General Scoring Guideline - Algebra I

PRACTICE TEST (from Seneca Valley School District)

            ANSWER KEY (from Seneca Valley School District)

 

Module 1

1.1 Operations

• Combining Like Terms
• Rational and Irrational Numbers
• Square Roots
• Simplifying Square Roots
• Exponent Rules
• Exponent Rules Continued
• Multiplying Polynomials
• Factoring Difference of Squares
• Factoring

 

1.2 Linear Equations and Systems

• Writing Expressions
• Systems of Equations with Elimination Part:1
• Systems of Equations with Elimination
• Systems of Equations with Substitution

1.3 Linear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities

• Solving Inequalities
• Linear Inequalities
• Graphs of Inequalities
• Graphing Systems of Inequalities

Module 2
2.1 Functions and Patterns

• Evaluate Functions
• Domain and Range
• Identifying Points
• Finding Equations of Lines from Tables

2.2 Coordinate Geometry

• Slope from Graph
• Slope from Two Points
• Slope Intercept Form
• Standard Form
• Converting between Slope Intercept and Standard Form
• Line of Best Fit

2.3 Probability and Data Analysis

• Quartiles
• Stem_and_Leaf_Plots
• Mean, Median_and_Mode
• Box Plots
• Simple Probability
• Independent_Probability
• Compound Probability

 

BIOLOGY

Item and Scoring Sampler - Biology - 2017

Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content - Biology with Sample Items

General Scoring Guideline - Biology

Biology Flashcards

Key Vocabulary

YouTube Bozeman Science Tutorials

Biology Keystone Module 1 Practice Test (from Peters Township School District)

Biology Keystone Module 2 Practice Test (from Peters Township School District)

 

Module 1

• Basic Biological Principles

• Characteristics of Life
• Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Organisms
• Prokaryote Structure

 

• The Chemical Basis for Life

• Water and Life
• Macromolecules
• Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
• Enzymes
• pH, Acids, and Bases

 

• Bioenergetics

• Chloroplasts and Mitochondria
• Photosynthesis
• Cellular Respiration

 

• Homeostasis and Transport

• Homeostasis
• Plasma Membrane
• Membranes and Transport

Module 2

2.1 Cell Growth and Reproduction

• Phases of the Cell Cycle
• Mitosis
• Meiosis
• DNA Replication
• DNA, Genes, and Alleles

2.2 Genetics

• Mendelian Genetics
• Non-Mendelian Genetics
• Chromosomal Rearrangements
• Translation
• Protein Synthesis
• Genetic Mutations
• DNA Cloning

2.3 Theory of Evolution

• Natural Selection
• Selection and Genetic Drift
• Evolution

2.4 Ecology

• Ecological Levels
• Biotic and Abiotic
• Food Chains and Food Webs
• Ecological Interactions
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• Biodiversity

 

LITERATURE

Item and Scoring Sampler - Literature - 2017

Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content - Literature with Sample Items

General Scoring Guideline - Literature

Keystone Literature Exam Glossary

            PRACTICE TEST (from Curwensville Area School District)

 

Module 1

• Reading for Meaning – Fiction
• Analyzing and Interpreting Literature – Fiction

• Reading Literature (Part 1)
• Reading Literature (Part 2)

 

Module 2

2.1 Reading for Meaning – Nonfiction

2.2 Analyzing and Interpreting Literature – Nonfiction

• Reading Science (Part 1)
• Reading Science (Part 2)
• Reading History (Part 1)
• Reading History (Part 2)
• Reading Social Science (Part 1)
• Reading Social Science (Part 2)