HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania’s proposed new high-school graduation competency tests are one step closer to becoming a reality.
The Keystone Exams were endorsed Wednesday by a panel of the state Board of Education. The full board is slated to take a vote Thursday.
The new tests would replace the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests now administered in the 11th grade. Students would take the Keystone Exams in grades nine through 12 as they complete their course work, and the scores would count as one-third of their final grades.
Proponents say the plan would more effectively measure students’ progress, while allowing local districts to develop their own tests subject to state approval. Critics say the new tests are too costly and could unfairly penalize students who do poorly on tests.