The state of Pennsylvania requires all students to attain proficiency on the three end-of-course Keystone exams in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology in order for a student to meet statewide graduation requirements. Beginning with the Class of 2023, Act 158 provides students with alternative options to this requirement. The state of Pennsylvania has added four additional pathways that allow students to demonstrate postsecondary preparedness by more fully illustrating their college, career, and community readiness. Collegium is proud to be able to offer students three of these alternative pathways toward graduation.

All students are required to take and pass the Keystone-associated trigger courses in Algebra I (middle school or high school), 10th grade Literature, and Biology (9th or 10th grade) regardless of the pathway the student selects.

Keystone Proficiency Pathway

Student scores Proficient or Advanced (1500+) on each of the three Keystone exams - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.

Keystone Composite Pathway

This pathway is best suited for students who did not score Proficient on all three exams, but meet ALL the following criteria:

• Student scores Proficient on at least one of the three Keystone exams; AND

• Student has NO score of Below Basic on any of the three Keystone exams; AND

• The composite score of all three Keystone exams is 4452 or greater.

Alternative Pathway Options

Alternative Assessment Pathway

This pathway is best suited for students who did not score Proficient on all three Keystone exams, but are taking or plan to take an alternative assessment, have taken or plan to take Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment courses in the Keystone exam content areas, and/or are applying to 4-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). Students who select this alternative pathway option must meet and provide documentation of ONE of the following criteria:

• Attainment of one alternative assessment score or better: ACT (21), ASVAB AFQT (31), PSAT/NMSQT (970), SAT (1010); OR

• Attainment of 3 or better on AP Exam(s) related to each Keystone content area in which less than Proficient; OR

• Successful completion of concurrent enrollment course(s) related to each Keystone content area in which less than Proficient; OR

• Acceptance into accredited, non-profit Institution of Higher Education (IHE) 4yr program for college-level coursework and not contingent on remedial course completion before the student’s first full time semester.

Evidence-Based Pathway

This pathway is best suited for students who did not score Proficient on all three Keystone exams, but can demonstrate readiness for meaningful postsecondary engagement consistent with the students’ goals and future plans. Students who select this alternative pathway option must meet and provide documentation of THREE artifacts that align with the following criteria:

Students must select AT LEAST ONE of the following:

• Attainment of 3 or better on any AP Exam; OR

• Successful completion of any concurrent enrollment or postsecondary course; OR

• Completion of an industry-recognized credential; OR

• Acceptance into accredited, non-profit Institution of Higher Education (IHE) for college-level coursework in an other-than-4yr program and not contingent on remedial course completion before the student’s first full time semester.

Students must select NO MORE THAN TWO of the following:

• Attainment of Proficient or Advanced on any Keystone Exam; 

• Successful completion of a service-learning project;

• Letter guaranteeing full-time employment or military enlistment;

• Completion of an internship, externship, or cooperative education program;

• Compliance with NCAA Division II academic requirements.

Student Support

Collegium will support your student with understanding the Keystone proficiency graduation requirement by explaining the requirement in detail, reviewing Keystone exam scores, and identifying a Keystone pathway that aligns with both the student’s Keystone exam results and their goals and future plans. To accomplish this, each student will participate in bi-annual grade level seminar presentations given by one of the High School counselors where information about the Keystone proficiency graduation requirement will be introduced, explained, and reviewed. 

Collegium is dedicated to providing students with as many opportunities to be successful as possible. Collegium has increased students’ access to various alternative assessments that can be used towards Keystone proficiency. Collegium administers the PSAT to all 10th and 11th grade students each school year. Collegium is an ACT test center and offers the ACT test at Collegium one time per school year in December. Collegium can provide support to students who are interested in registering for the ACT or SAT by sharing registration information, requesting test accommodations, and answering students’ questions. Collegium offers 11th and 12th grade students to elect to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) through a voluntary sign-up at least one time per school year.

Important Resources related to Act 158: Pathways to Graduation

Collegium Documents:

Keystone Exam: Selection of Alternative Pathways

Service Learning Project Application

Full-Time Employment Verification Form

Keystone Pathways Flowchart

PA Department of Education Resource Documents:

Pennsylvania Pathways to Graduation