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Guidance » PA Pathways to Graduation

PA Pathways to Graduation

The new Graduation Pathways beginning with the Graduating Class of 2023

Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, the statewide graduation requirement will apply in addition to the locally established policies and requirements.


Students can meet the statewide graduation requirement by:

1. Keystone Proficiency Pathway: Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam – Algebra, Literature and Biology.
 
2. Keystone 3-Score Composite Pathway: Earning a satisfactory composite score of 4452 on the combination of the three Keystone Exams with at least one proficient and no score below Basic.
 
3. Keystone 2-Score Composite Pathway: Earning a satisfactory composite score of 2939 on the combination of the two Keystone Exams with at least one proficient and no score below Basic.
 
4. CTE 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
  • Attainment of an industry-based competency certification related to the CTE Concentrator's program of study or demonstration of a high likelihood of success on an approved industry-based competency assessment or readiness for continued meaningful engagement in the CTE Concentrator's program of study.
  • For further explanation of the CTE Pathway, please see PDE's Act 6 guidance.
 
5. Alternative Assessment Pathway: Successful completion of locally established grade-based requirements for academic content areas associated with each Keystone Exam (Algebra I, English 10, Biology I) on which the student did not achieve proficiency AND one of the following: 
    • Attainment of an established score on an alternative assessment (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB);
    • Gold level on the ACT Workkeys Assessment;
    • Attainment of an established score on an AP exam in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam in which a student did not achieve at least a proficient score;
    • Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment course (Dual Enrollment registered) in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam in which a student did not achieve at least a proficient score,
    • Successful completion of a pre-apprenticeship program; or 
    • Acceptance in an accredited 4-year nonprofit institute of higher education and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework. 
 
6. 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 demonstration of three pieces of evidence consistent with the student's goals and career plans, including: 

One of the following:

  1. Attainment of an established score on the ACT WorkKeys assessment (silver level or higher), a SAT subject test, an Advanced Placement Program Exam, or an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Exam;
  2. Acceptance to an accredited nonprofit institution of higher education other than a 4-year institution and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework;
  3. Attainment of an industry-recognized credential; or
  4. Successful completion of a concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course; and

Two additional pieces of evidence, including one or more of the options listed above, or: satisfactory completion of a service learning project; attainment of a score of proficient or advanced on a Keystone Exam; a letter guaranteeing full-time employment; a certificate of successful completion of an internship or cooperative education program; or satisfactory compliance with the NCAA's core courses for college-bound student athletes with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.