PARENT INFORMATION

The PA Department of Education has issued guidelines regarding a student Code of Conduct for PSSA and Keystone Exam testing. Furthermore, the PA Department of Education (PDE) requires that school personnel confiscate cell phones and other electronic devices at the testing site. The Mechanicsburg Area School District has outlined the following procedures to ensure the security of the test administration:

Prior to the test administration, all students will be asked if they have a cell phone or other electronic device in their possession. If so, students will be directed to place devices in a location away from the student testing area. Students will be allowed to pick up their devices at the end of the test period. These devices will be temporarily removed from a student’s possession. Principals will announce these procedures to students prior to the first day of testing. Principals and test administrators will review the Code of Conduct with students prior to the first test administration. Disciplinary action will be taken for any student caught violating this electronic device policy. Any student caught cheating on the PSSA or Keystone Exams will have a “Do Not Score” label placed on their test booklet.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PSSA AND KEYSTONE EXAM TEST TAKERS

DO…

Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat a good breakfast.
Listen to, read, and follow all directions given.
Ask questions if you do not understand the directions.
Read each question carefully, especially multiple-choice items that ask for the “best answer”. Also, be sure to read any open-ended items and writing prompts carefully before responding.
Be careful when marking your answers so that you do not skip spaces or fill in the wrong sections.
Make sure to completely fill in the bubble for the answer you select and erase completely any answers you change.
Keep your eyes on your own test.
Try to answer each test item.
Check that you have completed all the test items in the test section before closing your test booklet or submitting your final responses online.
Report any suspected cheating to your teacher or principal.

DO NOT…

Bring notes with you to the test.
Bring any electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, smartphones, etc.) other than an approved calculator, if applicable, to the test.
Share a calculator with others.
Use the bubbles in the answer booklet to either eliminate possible incorrect answers or possible correct answers. Mark only the bubble for the one correct answer you have chosen.
Talk with others about questions on the test during or after the test.
Take notes about the test to share with others.

Mechanicsburg Area School District

PSSA and Keystone State Assessments

Pennsylvania Department of Education

Policies and Parent/Guardian Communication

MASD State Assessment Procedures

Parental Requests to View State Assessment Materials

Procedures for Breaks Requested by Students During State Testing

Procedures in Case of Emergency During State Testing

Code of Conduct Including Cell Phone and Electronic Devices

Procedures for CAOLA (Cyber) Students

Procedures for Homeschooled Students