District Assessment

Assessing student learning documents knowledge and skills that students gain over a specific period of time using measurable standards and benchmarks. The Allegheny Valley School District staff utilizes summative, formative, benchmark, and diagnostic tests to measure student growth.

Administrators and teachers consider results from Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT) tests, STAR Reading, Early Literacy and Math, DIBELS Next, PVAAS data, and locally created formative and summative assessments when considering the student program. District staff also considers information from two state-mandated assessments, the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment and the Keystone Exams, for student progress analysis and during curriculum review.

Keystone Exams
The Pennsylvania Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Beginning with the class of 2017, students must demonstrate proficiency in the Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature Keystone Exams as a Pennsylvania requirement for graduation.  If this requirement is not met, there are additional pathways to graduation. Pathways to Graduation


Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
According to the Department of Education, the PSSA test “measures how well students have achieved in reading, mathematics, science and writing according to Pennsylvania’s world-class academic standards.” Reading and mathematics components of the PSSA are administered to students in Grades 3 through 8. In addition, the state assesses students (Grades 4 and 8) in science. All scores fall into four categories: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic.

AVSD Information Series: Testing

PSSA Information

Keystone Information

Firefly Information

2025-2026 Comprehensive Assessment Calendar

State Testing Schedule: