In accordance with Pennsylvania’s Act 136 of 2020, for students graduating in 2023 and beyond, the following five pathways exist to meet the statewide graduation requirement:

Keystone Pathways:

Successful completion of the three Pennsylvania Keystone Exams is an acceptable pathway for graduation:

Option 1 - Keystone Proficiency Pathway:

Scoring proficient or advanced on each Keystone Exam - Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.

Option 2a - Keystone 3-Score Composite Pathway:

Earning a composite score of 4452 (three scores must average 1484) on the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams (while achieving at least a proficient score on at least one of the three exams and no less than a Basic score on the remaining two).

Option 2b - Keystone 2-Score Composite Pathway:

Earning a composite score of 2939 or greater for two of the three Keystone Exams (calculated using the highest numerical scores attained by the student, neither of which may be Below Basic and at least one of which must be Proficient or better), earning a non-numeric Proficient score in a Keystone Exam pursuant to Act 136 of 2020, successfully completes locally established, grade-based requirements for academic content associated with each Keystone Exam in which the student does not have a numeric or non-numeric score of Proficient/Advanced.

Alternate Pathways:

Option 3 - Alternate Assessment 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 one of the following:

• Attainment of an established score on an approved alternate assessment (SAT, PSAT, ACT, ASVAB);
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): score 1010
• PSAT: score of 970
• ACT: score of 21 
• Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam: score 31
• Successful completion of a dual enrollment course in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam in which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score;
• Successful completion of a pre-apprenticeship program
• Acceptance to an accredited 4-year nonprofit institution of higher education and evidence of the ability to enroll in college-level coursework. 
• Attainment of 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement (AP) Program in an academic content area associated with each Keystone Exam on which the student did not achieve at least a proficient score. If an AP Exam Score of 3 or better is used, each test can only be used once. For example, if you scored a 3 in AP Chemistry, you can only use that for either Algebra OR Biology – not both.

Option 4 - 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:

• Attainment of an established score on a SAT subject test, an Advanced Placement Program Exam:
  • SAT Subject Test: score of 630
  • AP program exam: score of 3
• 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;
• Attainment of an industry-recognized credential; or
• 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: verification of 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 2.2.

Option 5 - CTE Pathway:

• For Career and Technical Education (CTE) Concentrators, 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 (Nocti, NIMS, etc.).
• For further explanation of the CTE Pathway, please see PDE's Act 6 guidance.

Students with an IEP - The IEP team will discuss which pathway the student will take to meet graduation requirements.