PA School and Graduation Requirements

Pennsylvania state regulations require that students master academic standards set forth through the State Board of Education. These standards are in subject areas such as language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students are required to take a state assessment (the PSSA) measuring knowledge of the standards during particular grades of their elementary, middle school, and secondary school years. If the child has been in the district for less than one year, and the district has determined that the student is not yet proficient in English, the district may exempt the student from the assessment. Parents may also request exemption from the assessment if it conflicts with their religious beliefs. Test results are provided to the parents.

The district is also required to verify student mastery of the standards in order for students to be graduated from high school. This may be done through the state assessment (the PSSA) or through local assessments. The district will also monitor mastery of the standards as students move through their elementary and middle school years. Schools are required to keep parents informed of student progress and instructional programs that may be required to assist students having difficulty with mastering the standards.

Upon registration in a public or charter school in Pennsylvania, the district will administer a home language survey to screen for the identification of any students who have English limitations. If it is determined that students may have a limited English proficiency, further assessment of proficiency levels will be administered. The school will inform parents of programs to address student needs in these areas. This information is further explained in the text of this Web site and the Resource Kit.