Upper Darby SD reviews PSSA changes, testing dates and device rules

District officials outlined upcoming changes to the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and the district’s testing plan for spring 2025. The district assessment coordinator said the PSSA—administered to students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts, mathematics and science—will be delivered online this year as part of a statewide transition to online testing through 2026.

The district will administer English language arts tests for grades 3–8 the mornings of April 22–24; mathematics testing for grades 3–8 on April 28–29; and science testing for grades 5 and 8 on April 30 and May 1. “All of those students will take this test in the morning of the 22nd, the 23rd, and the 24th,” the coordinator said when announcing the ELA window.

Officials described several changes to test format and administration. The state has introduced more technology‑enhanced items (for example, drag‑and‑drop and click responses) and the district has practiced released items so students can use the new interfaces. The coordinator said the PSSA science test is shifting to fifth and eighth grade because of revised science standards; 2025 will serve as a field‑test year, meaning there will be no reporting of scores for that administration as the state and districts transition to the new standards.

The district emphasized device requirements and test security. “Students must bring their district Chromebook on all of those days of testing,” the coordinator said, noting the district does not have spare devices. Students should arrive with devices fully charged; if a Chromebook dies mid‑test, staff can typically restore the session within a 20‑minute dormancy window so testing can resume. Personal electronic devices such as cell phones or smartwatches are prohibited during testing. If a device is found on a student during testing, the parent or guardian will be contacted, the test may not be scored and school discipline could follow, officials said.

Officials also explained the exemption and alternate‑assessment processes. Families who believe the assessment conflicts with religious beliefs must review test materials on district grounds with a principal and sign a confidentiality agreement before submitting a written exemption request to the superintendent, in line with district policy 127. For a very small population of students with significant cognitive disabilities, the district administers the Pennsylvania Alternate Standards Assessment (PASSA), an alternate online assessment with distinct eligibility criteria and procedures.

District communications to families about dates and procedures are being distributed via Wednesday folders, the district website and building principals. The district urged families to contact building administrators with questions ahead of the testing window.