{"id":18505,"date":"2025-09-12T09:24:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T13:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/?p=18505"},"modified":"2025-09-12T09:54:43","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T13:54:43","slug":"prepare-for-new-digital-pssa-and-keystones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/prepare-for-new-digital-pssa-and-keystones\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for the New Digital PSSA and Keystone Exams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In April 2024, Pennsylvania officially announced that by Spring 2026, all state-mandated standardized tests\u2014including the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone Exams\u2014will be administered online. While roughly 32% of districts have already started this transition, the upcoming mandate requires full statewide adoption, ushering in a new era of digital testing for public schools across the Commonwealth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For district leaders, administrators, and educators, this transition represents more than just a logistical change. It\u2019s a pedagogical and cultural shift, one that brings both opportunity and complexity. Here\u2019s what\u2019s changing, what it means for your students, and how Progress Learning can help your school be fully prepared.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why the Change, and Why Now?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pennsylvania\u2019s decision follows a national trend. <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/our-products\/sat-prep\/\">Like the SAT\u00ae<\/a>, which is now fully digital, and New York\u2019s own move toward computer-based testing, Pennsylvania is now modernizing its assessments to better reflect how students learn today. Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Education cited several key motivations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce administrative burden on teachers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Save time and cost associated with paper testing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create tests that mirror digital learning environments already common in classrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improve speed of results and data turnaround for actionable insight<\/span><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal isn\u2019t simply modernization, it\u2019s alignment. Today\u2019s classrooms are powered by Chromebooks, tablets, and cloud-based platforms. The new digital PSSA and Keystone exams are designed to reflect that reality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What\u2019s Actually Changing?<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Full Online Administration<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All PSSA and Keystone exams will be taken online by Spring 2026. Paper tests will only be available for students requiring accommodations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>More Than Multiple Choice<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Digital testing brings new item types known as Technology-Enhanced Items (TEIs):<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drag-and-drop interactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graph and chart tools<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sorting and classification questions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Numeric and text entry (i.e., open response) questions<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These aren\u2019t exclusive to ELA. Math, Science, and even Algebra and Biology exams will include open-response formats, requiring students to input numbers, show reasoning, or type responses\u2014a skill set many students aren\u2019t regularly practicing without specific preparation.<\/p>\n<h3><b>Affected Grades and Subjects<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>PSSA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Grades 3\u20138 in <\/span><b>ELA, Math, and Science<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keystone<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: High school-level <\/span><b>Algebra I, Biology, and Literature<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Opportunities and Challenges<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Benefits of the New Format:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Faster score turnaround<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means quicker feedback for educators<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>More comprehensive assessments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that reflect real-world thinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Better alignment with how students already learn and complete work digitally<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Reduced paperwork and manual processing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for schools and districts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Challenges to Consider:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Tech infrastructure gaps<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially in rural districts, remain a concern<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Digital test-taking anxiety<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may affect performance, especially for younger students or those with limited keyboarding or tech skills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transition years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often bring initial score fluctuations as students and staff adjust to new expectations and formats<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What Schools Should Be Doing Now<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2026 deadline may seem far off, but successful transitions begin with early action. Schools that prepare now will be better positioned to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Support student familiarity with digital tools and TEI formats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Identify and fill skill gaps in typing, navigation, and test-taking stamina<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure tech equity and digital readiness across all classrooms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Align instruction and assessments with what students will actually see on test day<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Progress Learning Supports Pennsylvania\u2019s Transition<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progress Learning is already helping schools across the country, <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/schools-districts\/pennsylvania\/elementary-school\/\">and in Pennsylvania<\/a>, navigate transitions to digital testing with success. Here\u2019s how we can support your team:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>PSSA &amp; Keystone-Aligned Practice<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>We provide a vast library of standards-based items aligned to Pennsylvania Core Standards, not just general \u201cstandards-aligned\u201d content. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">ELA, Math, and Science content for Grades 3\u20138<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/schools-districts\/pennsylvania\/high-school\/\">Keystone-aligned practice for Algebra I, Biology, and Literature<\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Real TEIs for Real Practice<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students can practice with:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Drag-and-drop<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Graphing and sorting<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Open responses across all tested subjects, not just ELA<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Many platforms only offer multiple choice or limit TEIs to English. Our TEI&#8217;s are available in Math and Science, too\u2014a crucial differentiator for PSSA and Keystone preparation.<\/p>\n<p>Check out an open response question from the Progress Learning item bank for 3rd Grade PSSA Math.<\/p>\n<div class=\"uk-margin-top item-content\">\n<style>\n    #unique-box-1 {\n        border: 3px solid #6E1A61; \/* Border color (purple) *\/\n        border-radius: 15px;       \/* Rounded corners *\/\n        padding: 20px;             \/* Space inside the box *\/\n        background-color: #f9f9f9; \/* Background color *\/\n        display: inline-block;     \/* Wrap around the content *\/\n        width: auto;               \/* Automatically adjust to the content size *\/\n        box-sizing: border-box;    \/* Include border in the box dimensions *\/\n        text-align: left;          \/* Align text inside the box to the left *\/\n    }\n  <\/style>\n<div id=\"unique-box-1\">\n    <span class=\"learnosity-item\" data-reference=\"138637-en\"><\/span>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<h3><b>Progress Monitoring &amp; Instant Remediation<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Get real-time <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/solutions\/progress-monitoring-tools\/\">data on student performance<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Instantly <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/solutions\/online-remediation-platform\/\">assign targeted remediation<\/a> based on missed skills<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Use our <a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/solutions\/assessment-tool-for-teachers\/\">custom or prebuilt assessments<\/a> to mirror the rigor and format of state tests<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Proven Impact<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schools using Progress Learning have shown <\/span><b>significant growth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even in digital test environments. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/charles-drew-elementary-increased-proficiency\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charles Drew Elementary saw science proficiency grow from <\/span><b>33% to 82%<\/b><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/news-blog\/progress-learning-efficacy-study-forney-isd\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Forney ISD students using Progress Learning outperformed peers on their digital assessments, including NWEA MAP.<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The shift to digital testing in Pennsylvania is inevitable but it doesn\u2019t have to be disruptive. With the right tools and supports in place, your district can turn this challenge into a growth opportunity for students and staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to see sample items specifically designed for the PSSA and Keystone exams, including new TEI&#8217;s and open response questions? Fill out the form below to talk to our Pennsylvania specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n<script charset=\"utf-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/js.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/v2.js\"><\/script>\r\n<script>\r\n  hbspt.forms.create({\r\n    region: \"na1\",\r\n    portalId: \"23272034\",\r\n    formId: \"3bd16ddb-4120-40f2-ae04-334b789b41ff\"\r\n  });\r\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In April 2024, Pennsylvania officially announced that by Spring 2026, all state-mandated standardized tests\u2014including the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and Keystone Exams\u2014will be administered online. While roughly 32% of districts have already started this transition, the upcoming mandate requires full statewide adoption, ushering in a new era of digital testing for public schools [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":18506,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"\ud83d\udce2 Big changes are coming to PA state testing! By 2026, all PSSA & Keystone exams will be fully digital\u2014with TEIs and open response questions. Is your district ready? \ud83d\udda5\ufe0f\u270f\ufe0f#PSSA #KeystoneExams #ProgressLearning","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[314,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pennsylvania","category-how-to"],"acf":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Blog-How-to-Prepare-for-the-New-Digital-PSSA-and-Keystone-Exams.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18505","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18505"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18505\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18516,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18505\/revisions\/18516"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/progresslearning.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}