Keystone Exam - Parent Information

Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158)

As many of you are already aware, the Pennsylvania General Assembly Passed Act 158 of 2018 to modify the graduation requirements for all students in the state of Pennsylvania. This law requires that every student meet a graduation requirement of proficiency on the Keystone Exams or via an alternative pathway. Please refer to the infographic (or see reference below) to help explain the different pathways that we as a school may use to gauge your child's fulfillment of this graduation requirement. This resource also serves as our tool to assist us in our conversations with families as we work in partnership to chart their child's path to graduation. 

In addition to fulfilling Mechanicsburg Area School District’s graduation requirements, students of the Class of 2023 and beyond must successfully meet the requirements of one of the five pathways outlined below per Act 158 of 2018 (Act 158).

Pathway One - Keystone Proficiency

  • Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments meant to help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards and assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. These generally occur during a student’s 10th grade year - some their 9th or 11th. 

  • This pathway is fulfilled if a student achieves “Proficient” or “Advanced” on the Algebra 1, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams.

Pathway Two - Keystone Composite

  • At least 1 Keystone Exam scaled score is 1500 or Greater.

  • No Keystone Exam score is Below Basic.

  • The Keystone Exam 3-score composite is 4452 or Greater.

  • For some members of the class of 2023 - The Keystone Exam 2-score composite is 2939 or Greater (where eligible under §121.1).

Pathway Three - Career & Technical Education

Earning at least a passing grade for the high school courses associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) in which the student is less than Proficient AND attain one of the following:

  • An industry-based competency certification - Cumberland-Perry CTC - NOCTI Certification

  • Demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry based competency assessment  

  • Readiness for continued meaningful engagement in CTE concentrator’s program of stud

Pathway Four - Alternative Assessment

Earning at least a passing grade for the high school courses associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) in which the student is less than Proficient AND attain one of the following:

  • SAT - Score 1010 or higher

  • PSAT - Score 970 or above 

  • ACT - Score 21 or above

  • ASVAB - Score  31 or better

  • AP Exam score of at least 3 -  related to the subject of EACH Keystone Exam the student did not score proficient or advanced

  • Successful completion of dual enrollment course related to subject of EACH Keystone Exam not scored proficient or advanced

  • Successful completion of pre-apprenticeship program

  • ACT WorkKeys - Gold Level

  • Earn acceptance to an accredited four-year nonprofit postsecondary institution AND have evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework (non-remedial)

Pathway Five - Evidence-Based

Earning at least a passing grade for the high school courses associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) in which the student is less than Proficient AND attain ONE artifact in category one AND attain TWO artifacts in category two:


Category One (Must Have One)

  • A score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam

  • Acceptance to any accredited nonprofit post-secondary institution and evidence of the ability to enroll in college level work

  • Industry-recognized credential

  • Successful completion of a Dual Enrollment or postsecondary course

Category Two (Must Have Two)

  • Additional items in Category one

  • Service-learning project completion

  • Proficient or advanced on a Keystone Exam

  • Letter guaranteeing full-time employment 

  • Successful completion of an internship or cooperative education program 

  • Meeting the NCAA Clearinghouse requirements, including a 2.0 GPA

Students who score below these marks can still meet the state requirements for graduation by meeting the descriptors established in Pathways two through five.

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Our team at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School will be in communication with families on their next steps in this process.  As always, thank you for your trust and please reach out to your child's school counselor if you need any further clarification. 

Please click here to access State Assessment Procedures, including MASD Testing Procedures and PA Department of Education Notifications. 

Please reach out to your counselor/child’s counselor if you have specific questions.