Pandemic shadow looms over Keystone results
BY PAUL WILLISTEIN
pwillistein@tnonline.com
Part one
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic shutdown cast an apparent shadow over the Keystone Exam test results, based on the Northampton Area School District Academic Report 2023-24.
An analysis of the report by a Northampton Press reporter indicates a post-COVID-19 dip, gradual clawing back or continuing decline in proficiencies in the Keystone Exams.
The academic report was presented by NASD administrators to school directors and the public at the Dec. 2 board of education meeting.
Presenting the academic report were NASD Assistant Superintendent Dr. Michelle Schoeneberger, NASD Secondary Curriculum Supervisor Scott Oste, NASD Elementary Curriculum Supervisor Katie Trach and Northampton Area High School Principal Luke Shafnisky.
Based on graphs and information provided by NASD, a pre- and post-COVID-19 disparity seems to be evident in NAHS Keystone Exams, where percentages were below state averages post-COVID-19.
NASD Keystone scores seemed to peak in the 2019-20 or 2020-21 school years with declines, plateaus or improved test results in 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, depending on the test subject. The state average scores seemed to remain steady.
Former Gov. Tom Wolf ordered Pennsylvania schools closed March 13, 2020, the same date then-President Donald Trump issued a national emergency.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education and Department of Health announced April 5, 2021, that schools could reopen for face-to-face instruction with guidelines.
Keystone Exams, end-of-course assessments, are a component of Pennsylvania’s high school graduation requirements. They are intended to assess a student’s proficiency in algebra I, literature and biology.
Keystone Exams are given in grades 7-11, depending on subject. Students take the algebra I Keystone Exam in the spring during algebra I or geometry courses in grades 7, 8 or 9. Students take the literature Keystone Exam in the spring of 10th grade. The exam is given to students during world literature, honors English 10 or CP English 10. Students take the biology Keystone Exam in the spring during biology I, honors biology or CP biology, usually in 11th grade.
According to the academic report, in the NAHS Biology Keystone Exam Percent Proficient-Advanced chart, percentages were:
• 71% in 2018-19; state average, 66%
• 71% in 2019-20; state average, 66%
• 90% in 2020-21; state average, 64%
• 31% in 2021-22; state average, 54%
• 54% in 2022-23; state average, 59%
• 47% in 2023-24; state average, 59%
According to the academic report, in the NAHS Algebra I Keystone Exam Percent Proficient-Advanced chart, percentages were:
• 72% in 2018-19; state average, 45%
• 72% in 2019-20; state average, 45%
• 60% in 2020-21; state average, 37%
• 74% in 2021-22; state average, 36%
• 42% in 2022-23; state average, 38%
• 31% in 2023-24; state average, 40%
According to the academic report, in the NAHS Literature Keystone Exam Percent Proficient-Advanced chart, percentages were:
• 78% in 2018-19; state average, 62%
• 78% in 2019-20; state average, 62%
• No NASD results in 2020-21; state average, 55%
• 67% in 2021-22; state average, 54%
• 69% in 2022-23; state average, 55%
• 64% in 2023-24; state average, 54%
The NASD academic report can be found on the NASD website at nasdschools.org.
The board of education facilities committee will next meet 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in the NAHS library conference room, 1619 Laubach Ave.; the meeting is open to the public. The board of education is next scheduled to meet 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 2025 in the NAHS auditorium.
Part two to appear in the Dec. 26 edition of Northampton Press: 2023-24 NASD Academic Report, PSSA test results