Preparing for the standardized tests known as the PSSAs has become a norm for all juniors of PA.
   These one-size-fits-all tests evaluate what a student is academically capable of; the tests aren’t looking for the best scores, but just a standard.
   “[The tests] collect data on where students are in their learning,” Mr. Ken Bissell, Coordinator of Secondary Education, said. “It gives us a way to look at the students on an even playing field.”
   Now, though, the state has disposed of the PSSAs and is issuing the Keystones as the new standardized exams. According to Mr. Bissell, the main reason for the change is because 48 states have adopted the Common Core State Standards, which tests students across the country in all the same areas.
   The Keystones can be considered the next step in the evolution of standard tests, seeing as they try to assess the abilities that are needed for new careers. As this is a new, end of course exam, focusing on algebra, biology and literature (literary components, reading comprehension and grammar), students and teachers alike must be prepped.
   “[We’re] having a lot of discussion on how we teach, what we teach and teaching for understanding,” Bissell said. “We don’t want to prepare for a test; it’s about how we can better prepare you for life after GSHS.”
   Senior Mitchell Hastings recalls being taught strategies on how to take PSSAs. Bissell believes preparing for the Keystones will be very different – and probably not include E-block.
   “I don’t think you can cram for understanding,” Bissell said.
   One of the biggest problems for the students about both the PSSAs and Keystones is not understanding the test, but understanding the reason for the test. A common misconception is that standardized tests are supposed to measure academic intelligence.
“I don’t learn anything about my intelligence because it’s not a strenuous test,” Hastings said. “It’s just long.”
   Junior Dominique Bell sees that standardized tests are necessary because schools are not at the same pace with curriculum. However, the tests don’t show her anything about her academic performance.
   “They’re usually not at your grade level,” Bell said. “There’s nothing new, material-wise.”
   Seeing as this is the case for many students, Bissell does have hesitation about administrating standardized tests. He noted that hands on learners do not benefit, not a single test is a perfect indicator of a student’s ability and the problems aren’t necessarily relevant to the student.
   “They give you a ‘real world’ example to write on,” Bissell said. “But how real world of an example is it for you?”
   Still, when government mandated tests are required, the school district and administration have no control over them.
   “I’d rather have taken the Keystones because it’s not all at once,” Hastings said. “You know what’s going to be on the test.”
   On the other hand, Bell believes the easy, tedious tests are a waste of her time.
   “I’d much rather not take standardized tests,” Bell said.
   Just like with the PSSAs, retests for the Keystones will need to be taken if standards are not met.
   “Do not stress about this test,” Bissell said. “But it is important for [students] to do the best they can on them.”