PROJECT BASED ASSESSMENTS

Key Points

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has developed a project based assessment system (PBA) that is aligned with the modules for the Algebra I, Biology, and Literature Keystone Exams. Students who are unable to demonstrate proficiency on a Keystone Exam (or module) after at least two attempts may complete a PBA in that content area. Successful completion of a PBA aligned to the Keystone Exam or Keystone Exam graduation requirements. Note: PBAs apply only to students in the class of 2017 and beyond- (those students currently in grades K-10)

  • Getting Started: visit - click the Assessment tab to access ‘Getting Started guides for assessment coordinators, test administrators, tutors, and students.
  • Necessary District Role:Districts will need to assign staff to the roles of LEA Assessment Coordinator, School Assessment Coordinator, Tutor, and Test Administrator.
  • Questions: The answers to many common PBA questions can be found on the SAS website under Frequently Asked Questions; also visit
  • What Do The Assessments Look Like? Visit the SAS website and select for Released Field Test Projects.
  • More Detailed Information: Visit the SAS website and select Videos, PBA Presentations, and the Training Materials.
  • Tutors and Certifications: Tutors do not have to be certified in the content area of the PBA, though PDE strongly recommends that the tutor is a certified teacher in the content area. (For example, the Biology Keystone covers rigorous Biochemistry content- who outside of a science certification could help?)
  • Who is eligible for PBAs?Only students in the graduating class of 2017 and beyond, who failed to demonstrate proficiency on a Keystone Exam after at least two failed attempts may participate in PBAs. (There are a few expectations to this two- attempt rule- see Chapter 4 for specific exceptions.)
  • Supplemental Instruction: Chapter 4 states that districts must provide supplemental instruction to students failing a Keystone Exam. This instruction “must be consistent with the student’s educational program and assist the student to attain proficiency in the State academic standards”.
  • Online Supplemental Instruction: Supplemental instruction may be provided in an online format.
  • Practice/Graduation: PBAs are never to be used as practice or as a school graduation requirement (for the class of 2015 or 2016); they become a graduation requirement for the class of 2017 and beyond.
  • Timeline: It is recommended that students begin working on a PBA soon after a failed final attempt at a Keystone Exam. Keep in mind that there is a turnaround time between submission and reporting of approximately six to eight weeks. (While the student is enrolled in a PBA, the student may attempt a Keystone again, ceasing work on the PBA if a proficient on the Keystone is earned.
  • How Does This Work? Students are enrolled in a Project Based Assessment. Tutors provide them supplemental instruction. When ready, students complete the project under the watch of a test administrator. Once complete, two evaluators (outside of district) review the project. If both agree on their evaluation, the results are returned to the district. If the evaluators disagree, a third and deciding evaluators reviews the project. Projects that fail are returned with feedback as to what was deemed unsatisfactory. The student will redo the failed portion of the PBA and resubmit.
  • Help Desk: Districts are strongly encouraged to contact the SAS PBA helpdesk with questions specific to the website or their own district.