District Assessment Coordinator Training Online
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District Assessment Coordinator Training Online Administration Spring, 2026 1 Spring Administration, 2026 This document should be used for administration of PSSA and Keystone Exams in spring, 2026. 2 Agenda 3 Agenda Page 1 Acronyms
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01
District Assessment Coordinator Training Online Administration Spring, 2026 1<br>
02
Spring Administration, 2026 This document should be used for administration of PSSA and Keystone Exams in spring, 2026. 2<br>
03
Agenda 3<br>
04
Agenda – Page 1 Acronyms
Changes for 2025 – 2026
District Assessment Schedule
Responsibilities of DACs
Receiving Secure Materials 4<br>
Changes for 2025 – 2026
District Assessment Schedule
Responsibilities of DACs
Receiving Secure Materials 4<br>
05
Agenda – Page 2 Secure Materials
Accommodations
Transcribing a Student’s Responses
Student Participation
PSTAT 5<br>
Accommodations
Transcribing a Student’s Responses
Student Participation
PSTAT 5<br>
06
Agenda – Page 3 Directions for Administration
Electronic Devices
Test Security Certification Statements
Parent Information
Contact Information/Mission 6<br>
Electronic Devices
Test Security Certification Statements
Parent Information
Contact Information/Mission 6<br>
07
Acronyms 7<br>
08
Frequently Used Acronyms PDE – Pennsylvania Department of Education
DAC – District Assessment Coordinator
SAC – School Assessment Coordinator
TA – Test Administrator
HAC – Handbook for Assessment Coordinators
DFA – Directions for Administration
Online
Spanish
PSTAT – Pennsylvania State Test Administrator Training
DRC – Data Recognition Corporation 8<br>
DAC – District Assessment Coordinator
SAC – School Assessment Coordinator
TA – Test Administrator
HAC – Handbook for Assessment Coordinators
DFA – Directions for Administration
Online
Spanish
PSTAT – Pennsylvania State Test Administrator Training
DRC – Data Recognition Corporation 8<br>
09
Changes for 2025-2026 9<br>
10
Tech Enhanced Questions Technology Enhanced (TE) questions will appear on all PSSA and Keystone assessments. Students utilize features such as click-to-respond, drag-and-drop, drop-down, and text highlighting to answer questions.
Both field test and operational TE questions are included.
Online Tools Trainings have been expanded and updated to include all types of TE questions. https://portal.te.drcedirect.com/PA 10<br>
Both field test and operational TE questions are included.
Online Tools Trainings have been expanded and updated to include all types of TE questions. https://portal.te.drcedirect.com/PA 10<br>
11
Spanish Assessments All Spanish assessments will be delivered online.
SACs must request Mathematics formula sheets in Spanish and Spanish DFAs through additional material orders or print from the PDE website.
Spanish Online Tools Trainings (OTTs) are available within the accommodated version of the OTTs for Mathematics and Science beginning March 11, 2026. https://portal.te.drcedirect.com/PA 11<br>
SACs must request Mathematics formula sheets in Spanish and Spanish DFAs through additional material orders or print from the PDE website.
Spanish Online Tools Trainings (OTTs) are available within the accommodated version of the OTTs for Mathematics and Science beginning March 11, 2026. https://portal.te.drcedirect.com/PA 11<br>
12
Keystone Biology Exam The spring Keystone Biology Exam is aligned to the STEELS Standards.
First time Biology test takers must take the STEELS form.
For students needing to retest, the SAC will select the legacy form within the accommodations portal. 12<br>
First time Biology test takers must take the STEELS form.
For students needing to retest, the SAC will select the legacy form within the accommodations portal. 12<br>
13
Survey Questions Four brief survey questions appear before the review page at the end of the final section or module of all assessments.
The questions ask students (1) if they used an external keyboard, (2) mouse, (3) stylus and (4) whether they practiced the online tools (OTTs) prior to testing.
TAs should instruct students who navigate to the survey before answering all test questions to check their work and answer each question before submitting the test.
Survey answers have no impact on the student’s score. 13<br>
The questions ask students (1) if they used an external keyboard, (2) mouse, (3) stylus and (4) whether they practiced the online tools (OTTs) prior to testing.
TAs should instruct students who navigate to the survey before answering all test questions to check their work and answer each question before submitting the test.
Survey answers have no impact on the student’s score. 13<br>
14
Updated Accommodations Documents The following have been updated and posted on the PDE website: Accommodations Webpage
Accommodations PowerPoint
Accommodations Webinar Link
Accommodations Guidelines
Accommodations Guidelines for English Learners
Read Aloud, Scribing, and Transcribing Guidelines
Supplemental Guidelines for ASL in VSL
Unique Accommodation Assurance
Confidentiality Agreement Form
Print on demand Document – available early March on PDE website 14<br>
Accommodations PowerPoint
Accommodations Webinar Link
Accommodations Guidelines
Accommodations Guidelines for English Learners
Read Aloud, Scribing, and Transcribing Guidelines
Supplemental Guidelines for ASL in VSL
Unique Accommodation Assurance
Confidentiality Agreement Form
Print on demand Document – available early March on PDE website 14<br>
15
Initial Materials Shipment Districts/schools will receive a single shipment unless they order additional materials. The initial shipment will include:
HAC and DFAs
Mathematics formula sheets and Writer’s checklists.
A pack of rulers and protractors (as applicable) 15<br>
HAC and DFAs
Mathematics formula sheets and Writer’s checklists.
A pack of rulers and protractors (as applicable) 15<br>
16
Additional Materials Shipment If an LEA requires any of the following, the SAC must order these via the additional materials ordering system:
Spanish DFA(s)
Spanish formula sheet(s)
Large print booklet(s)
Braille booklet(s)
Braille graphic packet(s)
Window opens March 23rd for PSSA and April 13th for Keystone Exams
Secure materials will be delivered two weeks prior to testing 16<br>
Spanish DFA(s)
Spanish formula sheet(s)
Large print booklet(s)
Braille booklet(s)
Braille graphic packet(s)
Window opens March 23rd for PSSA and April 13th for Keystone Exams
Secure materials will be delivered two weeks prior to testing 16<br>
17
Print on Demand Information A very small number of students will need the print on demand accommodation. Paper/pencil testing is only available for a student who:
requires testing in paper/pencil mode as an accommodation due to disability, as documented in the IEP or 504 plan.
has medical documentation within two weeks of the testing window to test in paper/pencil mode, due to recent injury or illness.
is prohibited from using online devices per terms of educational placement or documented legal adjudication. 17<br>
requires testing in paper/pencil mode as an accommodation due to disability, as documented in the IEP or 504 plan.
has medical documentation within two weeks of the testing window to test in paper/pencil mode, due to recent injury or illness.
is prohibited from using online devices per terms of educational placement or documented legal adjudication. 17<br>
18
Print on Demand Requirements Consult the Accommodations Guidelines for a student needing a paper copy of the assessment.
Follow all PDE directions for print on demand testing.
Print materials must be kept secure until testing and securely destroyed after testing.
PDE strongly recommends that schools provide a single section or module of the assessment to the student on testing day. This prevents the student from answering questions in the incorrect section. 18<br>
Follow all PDE directions for print on demand testing.
Print materials must be kept secure until testing and securely destroyed after testing.
PDE strongly recommends that schools provide a single section or module of the assessment to the student on testing day. This prevents the student from answering questions in the incorrect section. 18<br>
19
District Assessment Schedule 19<br>
20
District Assessment Schedule: PSSA Provide the SACs with the district’s testing dates, including make up dates, for:
ELA
Mathematics
Science
Gather dates from the SACs for the schools’ testing dates and enter those into the DRC Insight Portal. 20<br>
ELA
Mathematics
Science
Gather dates from the SACs for the schools’ testing dates and enter those into the DRC Insight Portal. 20<br>
21
District Assessment Schedule: Keystone Exams Provide the SACs with the district’s testing dates, including make up dates, for:
Algebra I
Biology
Literature
Gather dates from the SACs for the schools’ testing dates and enter those into the DRC Insight Portal. 21<br>
Algebra I
Biology
Literature
Gather dates from the SACs for the schools’ testing dates and enter those into the DRC Insight Portal. 21<br>
22
Responsibilities of DACs 22<br>
23
DACs are to Review: Handbook for Assessment Coordinators
All Directions for Administration Manuals
Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Accommodations Webinar (PDF and YouTube)
All Accommodations Guidelines and Handbooks
LEA policies for home schooled and cyber students
Documents posted on the Pennsylvania System of Assessment site PSA Administration Training 23<br>
All Directions for Administration Manuals
Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Accommodations Webinar (PDF and YouTube)
All Accommodations Guidelines and Handbooks
LEA policies for home schooled and cyber students
Documents posted on the Pennsylvania System of Assessment site PSA Administration Training 23<br>
24
DAC Responsibilities Complete PSTAT: DAC, SAC, and TA
Enter the testing dates for each school within the DRC Insight portal
Update accounts and permissions within the DRC Insight portal
Sign the Test Security Certification Statement after testing is complete 24<br>
Enter the testing dates for each school within the DRC Insight portal
Update accounts and permissions within the DRC Insight portal
Sign the Test Security Certification Statement after testing is complete 24<br>
25
Additional DAC Responsibilities Report all test security violations to PDE within 24 hours and provide all documentation necessary
Oversee all SACs
Ensure SACs set up all test sessions within the DRC Insight portal
Ensure SACs submit the Unique Accommodation Assurance Form when applicable by deadline
Ensure SACs physically monitor all testing locations
Ensure SACs maintain all documentation for PDE monitoring visit 25<br>
Oversee all SACs
Ensure SACs set up all test sessions within the DRC Insight portal
Ensure SACs submit the Unique Accommodation Assurance Form when applicable by deadline
Ensure SACs physically monitor all testing locations
Ensure SACs maintain all documentation for PDE monitoring visit 25<br>
26
DACs and SACs Will Develop: A plan with District Technology Coordinator to ensure all devices have the testing software installed and a plan to communicate technology issues.
A plan for adequate devices, chargers, outlets.
A plan for students to become familiar with the online testing platform using Online Tools Training. The CDT and/or Firefly assessments can also help prepare students. Ensure TAs understand they cannot assist students with how questions are answered during testing. Students must be familiar with the platform prior to the assessments. TAs may encourage students to use the Help feature. 26<br>
A plan for adequate devices, chargers, outlets.
A plan for students to become familiar with the online testing platform using Online Tools Training. The CDT and/or Firefly assessments can also help prepare students. Ensure TAs understand they cannot assist students with how questions are answered during testing. Students must be familiar with the platform prior to the assessments. TAs may encourage students to use the Help feature. 26<br>
27
Background Applications DACs, SACs and District Technology Coordinators must ensure all background applications are turned off every device used for testing.
Background applications include Grammarly, spell check, word suggestions, etc. 27<br>
Background applications include Grammarly, spell check, word suggestions, etc. 27<br>
28
Training Sessions to Provide Provide training to all SACs
Sessions are held in person
Maintain copies of agendas and sign in sheets
Ensure the SACs complete the PSTAT for SACs and TAs 28<br>
Sessions are held in person
Maintain copies of agendas and sign in sheets
Ensure the SACs complete the PSTAT for SACs and TAs 28<br>
29
Receiving Secure Materials 29<br>
30
Booklets for large print and braille The large print and braille booklets are the only printed assessment booklets sent to districts/schools
SACs should take inventory immediately upon receipt of materials
SACs are to maintain copies of inventory lists
Test security and accounting of materials are of utmost importance
Consult DAC and SAC checklists located in HAC 30<br>
SACs should take inventory immediately upon receipt of materials
SACs are to maintain copies of inventory lists
Test security and accounting of materials are of utmost importance
Consult DAC and SAC checklists located in HAC 30<br>
31
Secure Materials 31<br>
32
Storage of Secure Materials Secure materials should be stored in locked cabinets/storage room with limited access.
Maintain a list of those with access to the space.
Anyone with access to the secure storage area, including keys, needs to attend SAC training of TAs and All Involved with Administration of PSSA and Keystone Exams and sign the appropriate test security certificate. 32<br>
Maintain a list of those with access to the space.
Anyone with access to the secure storage area, including keys, needs to attend SAC training of TAs and All Involved with Administration of PSSA and Keystone Exams and sign the appropriate test security certificate. 32<br>
33
Accommodations 33<br>
34
Unique Accommodation Assurance Process DACs must ensure SACs submit Unique Accommodation Assurances for accommodations indicated in Table A of the Accommodations Manual
Submissions are due at least 6 weeks prior to testing
By March 9, 2026 for PSSA
By April 30, 2026 for Keystone Exams
PDE will contact the submitter only if there are questions or concerns
Email: ra-eduniqueaccom@pa.gov 34<br>
Submissions are due at least 6 weeks prior to testing
By March 9, 2026 for PSSA
By April 30, 2026 for Keystone Exams
PDE will contact the submitter only if there are questions or concerns
Email: ra-eduniqueaccom@pa.gov 34<br>
35
Transcribing a Student’s Responses 35<br>
36
Handling Transcriptions DACs must ensure SACs properly handle transcriptions.
A student’s responses for large print, braille and print on demand tests must be transcribed by two adults:
Either the SAC and a TA who has completed the PSTAT and been trained by the SAC or
Two TAs who have completed the PSTAT and been trained by the SAC
One serves as witness and one handles the transcription 36<br>
A student’s responses for large print, braille and print on demand tests must be transcribed by two adults:
Either the SAC and a TA who has completed the PSTAT and been trained by the SAC or
Two TAs who have completed the PSTAT and been trained by the SAC
One serves as witness and one handles the transcription 36<br>
37
Additional Transcription Guidance The transcription may occur in the testing room so the student can review their work. Adults must not cue the student while transcribing. When this is not possible, the transcription can occur at a later time. The transcription must be completed as soon as possible and no longer than 24 hours after the student completed the section or module.
The student’s exact responses, including errors, are entered.
The test platform is open until 5pm each day of testing. 37<br>
The student’s exact responses, including errors, are entered.
The test platform is open until 5pm each day of testing. 37<br>
38
Student Participation 38<br>
39
General Student Participation All students in grades 3-8 participate in PSSA in their enrolled grade level for federal accountability
All students complete the three Keystone Exams for federal accountability by the end of grade 11. PDE recommends that students take the Keystone Exam at the end of the Algebra I, Biology, or Literature course. Some students may not complete all three courses.
Opt outs exist only for religious objection.
PASA must meet criteria. 39<br>
All students complete the three Keystone Exams for federal accountability by the end of grade 11. PDE recommends that students take the Keystone Exam at the end of the Algebra I, Biology, or Literature course. Some students may not complete all three courses.
Opt outs exist only for religious objection.
PASA must meet criteria. 39<br>
40
ELA Assessments for EL Students Participation in the PSSA ELA or Keystone Literature Exam is optional for EL students with fewer than 12 cumulative (not consecutive) months.
Scores for EL students in their first 12 months of enrollment in a U.S. school do not count for accountability, only for participation. 40<br>
Scores for EL students in their first 12 months of enrollment in a U.S. school do not count for accountability, only for participation. 40<br>
41
Mathematics and Science Assessments for EL Students Participation in the PSSA Mathematics, PSSA Science, Keystone Algebra I Exam, and Keystone Biology Exam is mandatory for EL students in their first 12 total months of enrollment in a U.S. school.
Spanish versions of the assessments are available.
Students may use word-to-word translation dictionaries without definitions and without pictures.
LEAs can provide qualified interpreters/sight translators. Consult the Accommodations Guidelines for ELs 41<br>
Spanish versions of the assessments are available.
Students may use word-to-word translation dictionaries without definitions and without pictures.
LEAs can provide qualified interpreters/sight translators. Consult the Accommodations Guidelines for ELs 41<br>
42
Special Cases See the HAC for detailed information regarding:
PASA
Court/Agency placed students
Student withdrawal/enrollment during testing window
Suspended and expelled students
Home schooled students
First year English Learner students 42<br>
PASA
Court/Agency placed students
Student withdrawal/enrollment during testing window
Suspended and expelled students
Home schooled students
First year English Learner students 42<br>
43
Required Documents for Religious Opt-outs Written district procedures for religious opt out
Copies of parent requests to view the exams
Copies of parent signed confidentiality statements
Copies of written parent requests to opt their child out of testing once the PSSA Assessments or Keystone Exams have been viewed 43<br>
Copies of parent requests to view the exams
Copies of parent signed confidentiality statements
Copies of written parent requests to opt their child out of testing once the PSSA Assessments or Keystone Exams have been viewed 43<br>
44
PSTAT 44<br>
45
PSTAT Requirements DACs must complete
DAC, SAC and TA modules each school year
www.pstattraining.net 45<br>
DAC, SAC and TA modules each school year
www.pstattraining.net 45<br>
46
PSTAT Certificates DAC should scan and email copies of the 3 PSTAT certificates to all SACs for monitoring. 46<br>
47
Directions for Administration 47<br>
48
PSSA DFAs DACs, SACs, and TAs should consult DFAs for specific directions which are read to students
PSSA
There are separate DFAs for each content area: ELA, Mathematics, and Science
There are two separate Spanish DFAs: Mathematics and Science 48<br>
PSSA
There are separate DFAs for each content area: ELA, Mathematics, and Science
There are two separate Spanish DFAs: Mathematics and Science 48<br>
49
Keystone Exam DFAs DACs, SACs, and TAs should consult DFAs for specific directions which are read to students
Keystone Exams
There is one DFA for all three content areas: Algebra I, Biology, and Literature
There are two separate Spanish DFAs: Algebra I and Biology 49<br>
Keystone Exams
There is one DFA for all three content areas: Algebra I, Biology, and Literature
There are two separate Spanish DFAs: Algebra I and Biology 49<br>
50
Electronic Devices 50<br>
51
Collection of Electronic Devices DACs with SACs should develop the procedures for collection and storage of electronic devices during testing.
DACs with SACs should develop the policies for test security violations.
TAs must collect all electronic devices prior to distributing secure materials.
These policies should be shared with parents and students prior to testing. 51<br>
DACs with SACs should develop the policies for test security violations.
TAs must collect all electronic devices prior to distributing secure materials.
These policies should be shared with parents and students prior to testing. 51<br>
52
Steps for Reporting Violations TAs should report students possessing or using an unapproved electronic device to SAC immediately.
The SAC will confiscate the device and report the test security violation to the DAC.
The DAC or SAC will report the violation to PDE. 52<br>
The SAC will confiscate the device and report the test security violation to the DAC.
The DAC or SAC will report the violation to PDE. 52<br>
53
Reviewing the Device The DAC or SAC should obtain parent permission to view the device and determine if any secure material is stored on the device, including photos, text messages, searches related to tested content, posts to social media, etc.
Send documentation and copies of secure material immediately to PDE. 53<br>
Send documentation and copies of secure material immediately to PDE. 53<br>
54
Regeneration of the Test Ticket A student possessing or using an unapproved electronic device during testing must retake the assessment by the end of the makeup testing window using a different form of the test.
Once the DAC or SAC emails PDE, PDE approves regeneration of the test ticket. The DAC can then regenerate the ticket.
SAC will then print the regenerated test ticket using a different form number of the assessment. 54<br>
Once the DAC or SAC emails PDE, PDE approves regeneration of the test ticket. The DAC can then regenerate the ticket.
SAC will then print the regenerated test ticket using a different form number of the assessment. 54<br>
55
Other Test Security Violations TAs should report any test security violation suspicions to the SAC immediately. If the TA believes the SAC or DAC is involved, the TA should contact PDE immediately ra-edirregularities@pa.gov.
DACs or SACs should report test security violations or suspicions immediately ra-edirregularities@pa.gov.
Examples include a student using a calculator when answering non-calculator questions, a student viewing another student’s work. Consult the HAC for others.
Review the Handbook for Secure Test Administration. 55<br>
DACs or SACs should report test security violations or suspicions immediately ra-edirregularities@pa.gov.
Examples include a student using a calculator when answering non-calculator questions, a student viewing another student’s work. Consult the HAC for others.
Review the Handbook for Secure Test Administration. 55<br>
56
Test Security Certification Statements 56<br>
57
Statements are Signed by: DAC
SAC
Building principal(s)
All TAs and Proctors
All individuals who handle or have access (including keys) to secure materials: custodians, secretarial staff, support staff, TSS, PCAs, student teachers, any others involved in testing 57<br>
SAC
Building principal(s)
All TAs and Proctors
All individuals who handle or have access (including keys) to secure materials: custodians, secretarial staff, support staff, TSS, PCAs, student teachers, any others involved in testing 57<br>
58
Certifications Signed by DAC PSSA
One covers all content areas: ELA, mathematics, science.
Keystone
One covers all content areas: Algebra I, Biology, Literature.
Each administration (winter, spring, summer) requires signed certificates.
Certificates are located in the Appendix of the DFA, may be removed from the DFA, signed and returned to SAC. 58<br>
One covers all content areas: ELA, mathematics, science.
Keystone
One covers all content areas: Algebra I, Biology, Literature.
Each administration (winter, spring, summer) requires signed certificates.
Certificates are located in the Appendix of the DFA, may be removed from the DFA, signed and returned to SAC. 58<br>
59
Failure to Sign Certifications Report anyone who refuses to sign the Test Security Certificate to the Chief School Administrator, and also to PDE via email ra-edirregularities@pa.gov. 59<br>
60
Parent Information 60<br>
61
Distribution of Parent Information See HAC Appendix for parent FAQs.
Ensure SACs distribute copies of Electronic Device Notification and are aware of consequences of prohibited devices prior to testing.
Ensure SACs provide the Individual Student Report (ISR) to all parents once score reports are shipped to LEA. 61<br>
Ensure SACs distribute copies of Electronic Device Notification and are aware of consequences of prohibited devices prior to testing.
Ensure SACs provide the Individual Student Report (ISR) to all parents once score reports are shipped to LEA. 61<br>
62
Contact Information/Mission 62<br>
63
Contact Information/Mission For more information or answers to questions please send questions to ra-ed-pssa-keystone@pa.gov or to the individuals listed in “Contact Information Concerning Questions” found in the HAC. PA Customer Service at DRC is available for general questions at 800-451-7849 or pacustomerservice@datarecognitioncorp.com.
You can also visit PDE’s website at www.education.pa.gov 63<br>
You can also visit PDE’s website at www.education.pa.gov 63<br>