District reports broad year‑over‑year growth on PVAS and PSSAs, outlines Keystone retest results

At the March 6 education committee meeting, district assessment staff summarized recent PVAS and state assessment results and how the district is tracking toward pre‑pandemic performance.

Bert (assessment staff) described PVAS as a growth study rather than a single test and said the district is “getting close back to our pre pandemic levels.” He reported proficiency percentage gains across grades tested in PSSA reading and math and improvements within most subgroups. He said the district showed significant growth in 12 of 15 PVAS targets and noted winter Keystone retest results also showed improvement for students who took retests or newly returned to testing.

Bert highlighted areas that continue to need work: algebra growth was mixed, and the district’s Keystone performance in some subjects lagged peer districts. He provided comparative statewide rankings for certain grades and subjects as reported on the district slides and recommended continued attention to algebra and biology coursework ahead of spring Keystone administration.

The committee heard the assessment summary as part of planning for PSSA testing in April and Keystone exams in May; administrators said they would continue to monitor subgroup performance and provide principals with data to guide interventions.