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
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
1.2 Linear Equations and Systems
1.3 Linear Inequalities and Systems of Inequalities
Module 2
2.1 Functions and Patterns
2.2 Coordinate Geometry
2.3 Probability and Data Analysis
BIOLOGY
Item and Scoring Sampler - Biology - 2017
Assessment Anchors/Eligible Content - Biology with Sample Items
General Scoring Guideline - Biology
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
- The Chemical Basis for Life
- Water and Life
- Macromolecules
- Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
- Enzymes
- pH, Acids, and Bases
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and Transport
Module 2
2.1 Cell Growth and Reproduction
2.2 Genetics
- Mendelian Genetics
- Non-Mendelian Genetics
- Chromosomal Rearrangements
- Translation
- Protein Synthesis
- Genetic Mutations
- DNA Cloning
2.3 Theory of 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
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)