The 2026 PSSAs and Keystones are coming up, and many students are beginning to prepare. Many students stress over the idea of test- taking, but teachers are ready to reassure their students that they will perform well.
While many students fear the PSSAs, it is nothing to stress about. The PSSAs are not for a grade and are just to see how well our school performs. Although this isn’t for a grade, students should still take the PSSAs very seriously. The test shows a lot about our school, and can also affect the school’s funding. All classes that are being tested leading up to the PSSAs will be preparing ahead of time in class.
“I think I will do pretty good on the PSSAs, because throughout the year so far I’ve learned a lot,” Mckenna Kalinoksi (8) stated.
The ELA PSSAs will be taking place Apr. 21-23. Students will be answering questions, and writing TDA’s. Students in most classes have practiced writing TDAs and should feel prepared to be able to perform well. All students are capable of passing and should plan to read thoroughly and to take their time. Students are all extremely capable and should put their best foot forward for the test.
The math PSSAs will be held from April 28-29. The math PSSAs are taken by all students in middle school. Students will be tested on what they have learned throughout the 2025-026 school year. Students should plan to study for this test to be sure to perform well.
The Science PSSAs are only taken by 5th and 8th grade students. The science PSSA for 5th grade tests students on science skills for 3rd to 5th grade. The 8th grade students are tested on all science from 6th through 8th grade. Students will be preparing and reviewing all topics leading up to the test.
“I plan to prepare students by adding PSSA-style questions into daily instruction, including multiple choice, data analysis, and open-ended responses. In the next few weeks, students will regularly practice CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning), work through scenario-based questions, and analyze graphs and models. I will also incorporate review games, along with spiral review of key concepts that we have covered throughout the year,” Ms. Brandy Millerschoen, eighth grade science teacher, stated.
Being that this test covers such a long period of time, both students and teachers have their worries on how students will perform on the test.
“My main concern is that students may struggle with complex questions, especially those involving data, models, and abstract science concepts. Some students may also have difficulty clearly explaining their answers.” Ms. Millerschoen continued, “ I also want to make sure all students take the test seriously and do their best.”
This year students in 8th grade have been taking an astronomy class. This was due to the students not getting a certain curriculum that they will be tested on. Teachers think this class will be a major help for the students’ performance on their PSSAs.
“I am optimistic that students will do well on the PSSA. Even though the test covers science from grades 6–8, they have had practice with PSSA-style questions and hands-on activities, including Earth and Space Science topics like astronomy. Students who participate actively and explain their thinking should show strong understanding and growth,” Ms. Millerschoen stated.
Keystones are solely for 8th grade students in the Algebra 1 class. The Keystone is a state- mandated test for all students in an Algebra 1 class. Some students will not take this test until high school. All students in the Honors Algebra I class this year are required to take the Keystones. Throughout the year, the honors class has been learning 8th grade math along with also spending time learning the Algebra 1 curriculum.
“Students are prepared for Keystones by using curriculum and assessment aligned materials throughout the school year. We use IXL and other technology programs to review previously taught material as the school year goes. We also do a Keystone Review prior to the exam to go over each of the two modules separately,” Ms. McCanna, eighth grade math teacher, stated.
Students taking the Keystones should plan on having makeup work to do due to the fact that they will be missing other classes to take the test. The test usually takes the whole morning for students to complete.
“I think the students will be fully prepared for their Keystone Exams. If they put the time and effort into studying and preparing as well as taking their time on the exam, they will be successful,” Ms. McCanna stated.
If a student happens to not pass their Keystone, they will be placed in a remediation Algebra 1 class next school year and retake the exam prior to Winter Break in December. Those students are still allowed to take Honors Geometry. They will just have an additional math class.
Many students plan to study a lot prior to the test to be as sure as possible that they will perform well. Students will be given a packet to review and also class time to go over things with their teacher (Ms. McCanna).
“I plan to study for the Keystones by making sure I understand everything in Ms. McCanna’s review packets, going over notes, and IXL. I think I will get proficient on the Keystone since it’s my first year in honors,” Tia Yeck (8) continues,” I think I’ll pass, but I know the testing period is long, so I know it will be very stressful and a lot to prepare for. I also know the anticipation of finding out if I passed will drive me crazy.”
