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Upper Darby outlines Keystone exam schedule, testing rules and Chromebook guidance
Summary
High school administrators previewed the winter Keystone administration (algebra I Jan. 6–7, biology and literature in the following days), reminded families of device prohibitions and exemptions under policy, and said the district expects roughly 1,800 tests for about 1,200 distinct test takers this winter.
At the committee meeting, district staff reviewed preparations for the winter administration of Pennsylvania Keystone exams and provided guidance for families and students.
Staff said high school administration expects to administer about 1,800 tests to approximately 1,200 distinct test takers during the winter testing window, with algebra I scheduled for Jan. 6–7 and subsequent biology and literature administrations occurring within the state window. The district emphasized compliance with Act 158 (which sets graduation testing requirements and alternate pathways) and noted that students must complete required Keystone subjects by the end of 11th grade for accountability reporting unless they pursue alternate pathways.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education prohibits electronic devices in testing rooms; staff said parents or guardians will be contacted and district procedures followed if a student is discovered with a device. The district will administer the exams online and asked students to bring charged Chromebooks; staff confirmed only a very limited supply of spare Chromebooks is available and that makeup windows at the end of the state testing window are used when students miss a scheduled session.
Staff also reviewed the exemption process under district policy 127 for religious objections: parents must contact their school principal, sign a parent confidentiality agreement to review test materials on district property, and submit a written request to the superintendent for exemption.
