The Pennsylvania House approved legislation on May 4 that would require a study on whether national standardized tests such as the ACT, SAT, or Smarter Balanced assessments could be used in place of the state’s Keystone Exams. The bill was co-prime sponsored by Representative Jason Ortitay.
This issue is significant because the Keystone Exams are currently required for high school graduation in Pennsylvania and are used to measure proficiency in literature, Algebra I, and biology. They were created to comply with federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements. Some believe alternative tests might better serve students and reduce costs.
“The Keystone Exams have been a point of frustration for a long time,” Ortitay said. “This is a chance to find out if we can do better. The SAT and ACT are tests kids actually want to take because they mean something beyond just a state requirement. They open doors to college. And right now about half of Pennsylvania students never even get that opportunity before they graduate. This study could change that. Let’s see if we can make one test count for both and save taxpayers money in the process.”
House Bill 1752 calls for the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to contract an independent study examining whether these national exams align with state academic standards and meet federal accountability rules under ESSA. A report would be due within one year after enactment.
A report from 2019 found that administering the SAT statewide would cost less than current Keystone Exam expenses, which total about $17.6 million annually compared with $13.3 million for testing all juniors and seniors with the SAT, according to information published by the official website. Both SAT and ACT exams are widely recognized measures of college readiness; approximately half of all Pennsylvania high school students take at least one before graduation.
Ortitay represents parts of Washington and Allegheny counties as chair of the House Communications and Technology Committee while also serving on the House Education Committee according to his official biography. He holds degrees from Robert Morris University (bachelor’s) and Stetson University (master’s), founded Jason’s Cheesecake Company supporting local schools according to his official website, resides locally with his wife Amanda and daughters Delaney and Isabella according to biographical details, graduated from Avella High School as reported by his office, boosts job creation efforts, reforms tax codes, strengthens educational opportunities, addresses local issues according to his website, is native to Avella in Washington County as noted officially.
The bill will next be considered by the Senate.
