Pennsylvania's Algebra I
Keystone Exam
Why are high school students required to take the Pennsylvania Keystone Exams?
Since the national No Child Left Behind act was adopted, each state must require all
students to pass a state assessment in Mathematics. Click on the link below to see the
Pennsylvania graduation requirements with regards to the exam.
http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Assessment and Accountability/Keystone
Exams/Resources/PA Keystone Algebra I Test Definition.pdf
What material is tested? The math Keystone tests knowledge from Algebra I and is
divided into two modules. These modules are then further divided into assessment
anchors. Click on the link below to see the anchors that are on the assessment. The
Algebra I Keystone Exam consists of two main modules with three main assessment
anchors per module.
Module 1: Operations and Linear Equations and Inequalities
Assessment Anchors: Operations with Real Numbers and Expressions
Linear Equations
Linear Inequalities
Module 2: Linear Functions and Data Organizations
Assessment Anchors: Functions
Coordinate Geometry
Data Analysis
Algebra 1 Keystone Exam: Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content with Sample
Questions and Glossary—http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Assessment and
Accountability/Keystone Exams/Keystone Exams AA-EC woSample Items/Keystone Content Module Standard
Blueprint--Algebra I.pdf
Formula Sheet with Sample Items—http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Assessment
and Accountability/Keystone Exams/Keystone Exams AA-EC wSample Items/Keystone Content Module
Standard Blueprint with Sample Items--Algebra I.pdf
When is the test given? The test is given in May. Only students that have taken a
complete Algebra I course are prepared for the exam. This means that students could be
given the exam as early as seventh or eighth grade.
If a student scores advanced or proficient on the test, they do not need to retake the
Algebra I Keystone. If a student scores of basic or below basic, they will be required to
retake the exam until they score at the proficient level or above.
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How is the test scored?
Students receive a level of proficiency on their Algebra I skills once they have taken the
exam. They can score advanced, proficient, basic, or below basic on the material.
http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Assessment and Accountability/Keystone Exams/Keystone
Exams Scoring Guidelines/Keystone Algebra I General Scoring Guideline.pdf
Are there any accommodations given on the Keystone? All students may take
extended time to complete each module. Additionally, they are allowed to use a calculator
on the entire exam. http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Assessment and
Accountability/Keystone Exams/Pennsylvania Calculator Policy.pdf
*Students that struggle with a documented disability may be eligible for more
accommodations.
What can you do to prepare? Part of the success on any standardized test is due to good
test taking strategies.
Practice Keystone Exam:
Practice test
Answer key
Algebra Review: By Topic in PDF form (the answers are at the end of each
document)
Real Number System
Properties of Real Numbers
Algebraic Expressions
Equations
Absolute Values & Inequalities
Relations & Functions
Graphing I: Points & Lines
Graphing II: Absolute Values & Inequalities
Systems of Equations
Word Problems & Applications
Algebra Review: Mixed Content—These reviews are in PowerPoint format. If you
do not have the PowerPoint software, you can download the VIEWER only at
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=13
Review Part 1
Review Part 2
Review Part 3
Review Part 4
Review Part 5
Testing Strategies
* Don't leave preparing for a test to the last minute. Make sure you leave time to
ask questions in class after you have studied.
* Get lots of sleep the night before the test. Tests are easier when you are
mentally sharp.
* Don't talk to other students just before a test. Anxiety is contagious.
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* Bring your calculator, a pencil, and scrap paper with you.
* Clear your mind! Use what you saw in the preview, and make mental notes of
anything you think you might forget.
* Stay relaxed and confident. Remind yourself that you are well prepared and
are going to do well.
* If you find yourself getting anxious or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths to
relax.
* Pay careful attention to directions.
* Don't keep changing your answers; usually your first answer is the right one.
* Answer the easy questions first. This will give you confidence and momentum
to get through the rest of the test.
* Go back to the difficult questions. While looking over the rest of the test and
doing the easy questions, your mind will have been thinking on the answer to
the difficult problem.
* If you have time at the end of the test, check your answers.
* Express difficult questions in your own words. Rephrasing it can make it clear
to you, but be sure you don't change the meaning of the question.
* When studying for a test, use your textbook's example problems to review
difficult or problem areas.
For Multiple Choice Questions:
* Read each question before you look at the answers.
* Eliminate answers you know are incorrect. Read all your choices before
making a decision.
* Be sure to completely erase incorrect answers on a scan-tron sheet.
Current Algebra I students will be given preparation materials and instruction in class. It
is critical that those students complete the practice both in class and at home to ensure
success.
Can I get extra help online? There are many sites online where a student can get extra
help preparing for the keystone. Students can utilize the resources directly from our Big
Ideas Algebra I textbook, their Study Island. The link below will lead you to Study Island-students can log in using their email address and password. Once in study island,
students can follow the links to math and the Keystone Resources that includes practice
problems and lessons for each topic on the exam. Lastly, Khan Academy offers videos and
practice as well. Khan Academy is a free online resource that your child can use.
Click this link to access study island
*The link below will lead you to the SAS (standards aligned system) portal, which has a lot
of resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. You can access these
resources as a guest on the site and explore lessons and practice problems for all the
Keystone topics.
Click this link to access SAS portal
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