Standardized Testing

For years, Pennsylvania’s educators and parents have advocated for a reduction in the number of high- stakes tests required, arguing that they have a negative impact on education and students. Most notably, their concerns centered on the time lost for instruction when students have to prepare for and take standardized tests, as well as the stress and anxiety that it causes to so many of them. That’s why 2018 brought some welcome changes.

Changes to Pennsylvania Standardized Testing

The length of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) test was reduced by Gov. Wolf by an average of 20 percent in grades three through eight, saving two days of testing per year.

Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, additional changes will further reduce the burden of standardized testing when the timeframe for the PSSAs is reduced from three to two weeks and is scheduled for later in the school year.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional stressors on students, staff, and educators, the US Department of Education issued guidance for flexibility, not cancellation, of these high-disruption, high-stakes tests. 
For additional information on standardized testing, please visit Fair Test and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.