PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The Keystone exam and the Pennsylvania System of State Assessments, otherwise known as the PSSAs, are both normally given before the end of the school year.
But the Pennsylvania Department of Education submitted a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, saying the state will give public schools the option to postpone those federally-required tests.
“Since the start of this pandemic, our work has been centered on protecting the health and safety of students, educators, and school staff across the state,” said Acting Secretary of Education Noe Ortega. “Our decision to extend the testing window continues to prioritize their health and safety and creates needed flexibilities for our unique school communities.”
The acting education secretary says the move comes as they understand the challenges facing schools and students during the pandemic.