ACT 158 Statewide Training 2021: Overview 03/30/2024 1

ACT 158 Statewide Training 2021: Overview 03/30/2024 1

Agenda Welcome Background Pathways to Proficiency and other Provisions Toolkit Future Trainings Q&A 03/30/2024 2

Background (Pa. Act 158 of 2018) Expands the options for students to demonstrate readiness for postsecondary success beyond solely proficiency on all 3 Keystone Exams. Statewide graduation requirement outlined in Act 6 takes effect for the graduating class of 2023. 03/30/2024 3

Background (Pa. Act 136 of 2020) Extends the timeline for implementation of new statewide graduation pathways enacted by Act 158 by one year to 2022-2023. Students who take a Keystone-related course during a year when annual state testing requirements are waived are deemed proficient, provided they meet locally established grade-based requirements for the academic content associated with the exam. Provides the Secretary of Education with authority to waive the NOCTI/NIMS assessments, if appropriate, on a schoolwide basis or for a specific career and technical education program provided by a school entity for the 20202021 school year. 03/30/2024 4

Special Populations & Waivers IEP team decisions based upon academic goals Waiver for students with extenuating circumstances (5%) ELs – WIDA ACCESS for ELs – ELA Keystone Exam exception 03/30/2024 5

Extenuating Circumstances Extenuating Circumstance for Waivers Under Section 121 of the Public School Code Under Act 158, extenuating circumstances include: Serious illness Death in the student’s immediate family Family emergency Frequent school transfers or transfer from an out-ofState school in grade twelve COVID-19 pandemic – (students in the graduating class of 2023 only) 03/30/2024 6

Proficiency vs. Composite vs. Additional Pathways Proficient or Advanced in all Keystone Exams 03/30/2024 Keystone Composite Score is 4452 (w/at least one score Proficient or Advanced and no score Below Basic) Proficiency on local grade-based requirements PLUS CTE, Alternative Assessment, Evidence-based 7

Keystone Proficiency Pathway Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam: – Algebra I – Literature – Biology Minimum scaled score per assessment 1500 03/30/2024 8

Keystone Composite Pathway Earning a satisfactory composite score on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams Achieving at least a proficient score on at least one of the three exams and no less than a basic score on the remaining two exams Composite score 4452 03/30/2024 9

Successful Completion of Local Grade-based Requirements 03/30/2024 10

Career and Technical Education Pathway Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for each Keystone Exam content area in which the student was less than proficient and one of the following: Attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator’s program of study Demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment Readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator’s program of study 03/30/2024 11

Alternative Assessment Pathway Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for each Keystone Exam content area in which the student was less than proficient and one of the following: Attainment of an established score on an approved alternative assessment: – – – – Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT/PSAT) and American College Testing (ACT) exam ACT WorkKeys (National Career Readiness Certificate) Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests and coursework Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery exam Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment course in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam in which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score Successful completion of a pre-apprenticeship program Acceptance in an accredited 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework 03/30/2024 12

Alternative Assessment Pathway (cont.) SAT: 1010 PSAT: 970 ACT: 21 ASVAB: 31 (minimum to qualify for placement into one of the branches of the US military) ACT WorkKeys: Gold Level (Per Act 158) AP: An established score of 3 or higher on an approved AP course in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score IB: An established grade of 4 or higher on an approved IB course in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score 03/30/2024 13

Evidence Based Pathway Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve proficiency AND THREE PIECES OF EVIDENCE: 03/30/2024 14

Evidence Based Pathway (cont.) Minimally one of the following (two or all three permissible): Attainment of an established score on an alternate assessment Acceptance to an other than 4-year accredited nonprofit institution of higher education Attainment of an industry recognized credential Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course AND/OR 03/30/2024 15

Optional Supplemental Evidence Up to two of the following: Service Learning Project completion Proficient or Advanced on a Keystone Exam Letter guaranteeing full-time employment Internship or Cooperative Education Program Compliance with NCAA’s core courses for college-bound student athletes 03/30/2024 16

Approved Assessment Scores ACT WorkKeys: Silver Level or higher SAT Subject Test: 630 Advanced Placement: 3 or higher International Baccalaureate: 3 or higher 03/30/2024 17

ACT 158 Toolkit The toolkit is designed to provide resources to support understanding and implementation of Act 158. Preview the toolkit: Act 158 Toolkit 03/30/2024 Key areas include: LEA Planning & Preparation Special Populations Guidance Waivers Guidance Glossary Pathway Guidance Resources Frequently Asked Questions Tracking and Reporting Implementation Tools Appendices 18

Module Training Series Resources Implementation Tracking & Reporting September 29th 1:30 – 2:30 PM September 30th 9:30 – 10:30 AM October 6th 1:30 – 2:30 PM October 7th 9:30 – 10:30 AM October 13th 1:30 – 2:30 PM October 14th 9:30 – 10:30 AM Zoom Link: Resource s Toolkit FAQs and toolkit reflection Q&A 03/30/2024 Zoom Link: Implementa Zoom Link: Tracking & tion Reporting Pathways Guide Sample student scenarios Q&A Tracking Tool Reporting in the FRCPP User experience Q&A 19

Open Office Hours ACT 158 Open Office Hours (Targeted Topics and Q&A) Nov. 3, 17 Dec. 1, 15 3:00 – 4:00 PM Zoom Link: Office Hours 03/30/2024 20

Resources RA Account – [email protected] FAQs Act 158: Pathways to Graduation Toolkit - SAS (pdesas.o rg) 03/30/2024 21

Contact/Mission For more information on the Act 158, please visit PDE’s website. The mission of the Department of Education is to ensure that every learner has access to a world-class education system that academically prepares children and adults to succeed as productive citizens. Further, the Department seeks to establish a culture that is committed to improving opportunities throughout the commonwealth by ensuring that technical support, resources, and optimal learning environments are available for all students, whether children or adults. 03/30/2024 22