Statewide Assessments

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is administered in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics for grades 3-8 and Science for grades 5 and 8. Keystone Exams for Algebra, Biology and Literature are administered at the end of each course. Most students with disabilities participate in the PSSA or Keystone Exams with or without accommodations. To view allowable accommodations or request a unique accommodation view the link to “Accommodations and Testing Information”. 

 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) (pa.gov) 

 Keystone Exams (pa.gov) 

 Accommodations and Testing Information (pa.gov) 

PA Dynamic Learning Maps (PA DLM) is an alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities for whom the PSSA and Keystone Exams are not appropriate even with accommodations. Participation in the PA DLM is determined by the IEP Team following review of the six eligibility criteria. An IEP Team must determine that the student meets all six criteria in order to participate in PA DLM. The alternate assessment is administered in ELA and Mathematics for grades 3-8 and 11 and Science for grades 5, 8 and 11. The PA DLM (Bullet below) 

is an individually administered universally designed, computer-based, adaptive assessment with many accessibility considerations.  

is available in ELA and Mathematics in grades 3-8 and 11 and Science in grades 5, 8 and 11. 

eligibility for participation is determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. 

skills taught and assessed prepare students for jobs, education and community involvement after high school 

Resources 

View details about how DLM maintains high expectations for students by promoting rigorous and relevant instruction and informative assessment results. 

Link to: Parent Brochure (pdf) and Parent Brochure (en Español) (pdf) 

Learn how DLM prepares students for jobs, education and community involvement after high school. See more parent and secondary transition resources. 

Link to: A Future of Opportunity  

View more about the alternate assessment, design, accommodations and supports and sample testlets 

Link to: DLM and PA DLM 

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require participation of all students with disabilities in statewide systems of assessment and accountability. Students with disabilities are expected to participate in statewide general and alternate assessments at a rate of 95% or greater at State and local levels. No more than 1% of students with disabilities should participate in alternate assessments at the State level. The PA Department of Education, Bureaus of Special Education and Assessment and Accountability collaborate to meet requirements. 

For more information,  PA Department of Education Assessment and Accountability website and PA Department of Education Bureau of Special Education Assessments 

 Additional content: 

Featured resources:  

• PaTTAN - PASA Eligibility Criteria: Decision Making Companion Tool 
• PaTTAN - The Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA): Answers to Questions Frequently Asked by Fam 
• Link to PDE BSE: ESSA 1.0 Percent Threshold Justification Requirements (pa.gov)