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Cheltenham shifts algebra‑1 placement rules, to use Reveal readiness test and recent PSSA data
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Summary
District staff proposed changing algebra‑1 placement to prioritize the most recent PSSA and current grades, administer a Reveal algebra‑readiness test April 30–May 1, and combine three metrics (PSSA, grades, placement test) with an appeal option for families.
Dr. Savage updated the committee on a proposed change to algebra‑1 placement criteria that will focus on the most recent PSSA performance and current grades rather than relying on older scores. She said the district piloted the change at Cedarbrook and saw positive results and that families will be notified and can opt out of the placement test.
The district will administer a Reveal algebra readiness test for current sixth and seventh graders between April 30 and May 1; staff plan to use Reveal’s psychometric benchmarks alongside end‑of‑previous‑year PSSAs and students’ course grades to make final placement recommendations. Dr. Savage emphasized multiple measures and local review panels: “we are going to go through the scores and then look at these 3 measures for students,” she said, and families may request an appeal if they disagree with placement.
Administrators noted some edge cases — students who demonstrate readiness on the test but have failing grades, and students who are proficient on PSSAs but do not show readiness on the Reveal instrument — and said they will convene teacher and administrator teams to reconcile those cases before final notifications in June.
The district will post students’ Reveal scores in the parent portal (students will not see test items to preserve reuse of the assessments) and will allow families to opt out of the assessment if they choose.
