Testing Student Progress

PA Distance Learning staff members are committed to helping all students achieve academic success. Our highly qualified staff strives to meet the educational needs of each student in our school through our monitoring processes and consistent communication with families.

Testing takes place in the following ways:

Pennsylvania System of Schools Assessment
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (or PSSA) is a set of standardized tests administered in all Pennsylvania public schools as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 participate in the Writing assessment. Math and Reading assessments are administered to students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11. Students in grades 4, 8 and 11 will participate in the Science test. Individual student scores are sent to families the summer following the testing window. Teachers use the test scores in identifying students who may be in need of additional educational opportunities, while overall school scores provide information for curriculum and instruction improvement decisions and planning.

Online Curriculum
As students move through the curriculum, they complete standards-based assignments, quizzes, tests and projects, which parents and teachers can easily monitor individual student progress.

• Kindergarten
PA Distance Kindergarten students experience a theme-based curriculum which integrates the use of over 40 early readers, online programs, workbooks, live learning sessions and hands on activities to engage young learners. The curriculum is delivered in a series of units, with lesson guides available to parents via the online course delivery system.

• Grades 1-12 

Our highly qualified teachers have created an engaging curriculum that integrates award winning online curricula, textbooks, novels and workbooks. Students will be provided a well-rounded interactive education which is aligned to Pennsylvania state standards. Course calendars provide parents and students an outline of expected daily activities in each class. In each course students participate in chat rooms, discussion boards and live learning sessions with their course teacher and peers. PA Distance teachers work with students to ensure all grade level learning objectives are met, as well as provide opportunities for enrichment activities.

Scantron Testing
Scantron's Performance Series provides students with individualized tests. The online test adjusts automatically to each student's ability level, generating questions that will appropriately challenge each student. Scantron tests provide results immediately so that teachers can adjust instruction and properly assess the enrichment and remediation needs of each student. The test is administered twice a year to provide teachers with the data necessary to provide individualized data driven instruction.