This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 by adding a new section that mandates a feasibility study regarding the use of the ACT and SAT as alternatives to the Keystone Exams for high school students in literature, algebra I, and biology. The Secretary of Education is tasked with contracting an independent study to evaluate whether these standardized tests align with Pennsylvania's core academic standards and can serve as valid substitutes for the Keystone Exams. The study will also assess the comparability of test results, accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners, and the technical quality of the ACT and SAT in relation to federal assessment criteria.

The Secretary is required to submit a report with the study's findings and recommendations to key legislative leaders within one year of the bill's effective date. The report will include evaluations of the ACT and SAT's alignment with academic standards, their reliability in measuring student achievement, and their ability to differentiate among schools within the state's accountability system. The bill aims to explore alternative assessment methods while ensuring compliance with federal requirements.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 2159 (Jul 22, 2025): P.L.30, No.14