Pennsylvania

Keystone Exams

Algebra I Exam
Winter 2019–2020
Directions for Administration Manual

December 2019/
January 2020
 Keystone
Algebra I

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Table of Contents
Algebra I

PART I: IMPORTANT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1

A. Contact Information Concerning Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
B. Maintain Exam Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
PART II: GENERAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
A. Summary of the Test Administrator’s Responsibilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
B. Follow the Exam Schedule Set by the School Assessment Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
C. Exam Administration Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
D. Prepare the Students for the Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
E. Prepare the Classroom for the Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
F. Required Exam Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
G. Organize the Exam Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
H. Damaged Answer Booklets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
I. Test Management Concerns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
J. General Organization of the Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
K. Code of Conduct for Test Takers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
L. Display Exam Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  10
M. Extended Exam Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  11
N. Exam Administration Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  12
PART III: DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTERING MODULE 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
A. Getting Started with the Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  13
B. Reviewing Barcode (District/School or Student Precode) Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
C. Administering the Algebra I Exam – Module 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14
PART IV: DIRECTIONS FOR ADMINISTERING MODULE 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
A. Administering the Algebra I Exam – Module 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  18
PART V: AFTER EXAM ADMINISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
A. After Testing Is Complete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22
B. Return Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  22

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Algebra I

 APPENDICES

Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  23

Appendix B: Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form
(Test Administrator and Proctor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  35
Appendix C: Algebra I Exam Directions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  37
Appendix D: Code of Conduct for Test Takers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  39
Appendix E: Pennsylvania Calculator Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  41
Appendix F: Algebra I Constructed Response Scoring Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  43

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PART I: Important Information
Algebra I

Part I
This manual is to be used for the administration of the Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 Keystone Exam. This manual
provides the Test Administrator (TA) with directions that will ensure a standard assessment environment in schools
throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The administration of this exam may differ from other assessments
the TA has given; therefore, TAs are to become thoroughly familiar with this manual and the procedures for
administering the exam before the testing window (December 2–13, 2019 and January 6–17, 2020).

A. Contact Information Concerning Questions

Topic or Subject Contact Person / Telephone Email Address

Opting Out of Testing Brian Truesdale / 717-214-5433 [email protected]
Testing Irregularities and General
Jay Gift / 717-783-1144 [email protected]
Testing Questions
ELA, Testing Accommodations (IEP,
Diane Simaska / 717-346-8064 [email protected]
504, and Regular Education)
ELA, Keystone Exam Literature,
EL Accommodations, General Rebekah Baum-Leaman / 717-783-6538 [email protected]
Testing Questions
Math, Keystone Exam Algebra I and
Charlie Wayne / 717-783-0358 [email protected]
General Testing Questions
Science, Keystone Exam Biology,
Notify Changes in Testing Dates
and/or Times, Testing Window
Craig Weller / 717-525-5825 [email protected]
Exceptions, Bodily Fluids on Test
Materials, and Cell Phone Issues not
Related to Test Security
PACustomerService@
DRC PA Customer Service 800-451-7849
DataRecognitionCorp.com
Test Security/Irregularities – Please
use the email for a more rapid and 844-418-1651 [email protected]
efficient response
Division of Assessment and
717-787-4234
Accountability

If a test security violation is suspected, contact the SAC immediately. If you believe the SAC may have
involvement in the violation, immediately contact PDE directly at [email protected] or
844‑418‑1651. Sending an email with a detailed subject line will provide a faster response from PDE than
calling the toll-free number. Please ensure that you only utilize the email account or telephone number
provided here. If you need assistance with items other than security/irregularities, please contact the
correct individual listed in the table above.

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PART I: Important Information
Algebra I
Part I

B. Maintain Exam Security

The Pennsylvania Keystone Exams are a measure of individual student achievement conducted by the Pennsylvania
Department of Education (PDE). Any deviation from the exam procedures outlined in this manual (including, but
not limited to, group work, teacher coaching, teaching or releasing of the performance tasks or exam questions,
using old non-released Pennsylvania assessment items as preparation tools, etc.) is strictly prohibited and is
considered a violation of exam security. Those individuals who divulge exam questions, falsify student scores, or
compromise the integrity of the state assessment system in any manner will be subject to professional disciplinary
action under the Professional Educator Discipline Act, 24 P.S. § 2070.1a et seq, including a private reprimand, a
public reprimand, a suspension of their teaching certificate(s), a revocation of their teaching certificate(s), and/or
a suspension or prohibition from being employed by a charter school. In this regard, an educator is any individual
who holds public or private academic school certification and all charter and cyber charter school staff members
and contracted educational providers who would be required to hold certification if they served in a traditional
public school.
In order to ensure the validity and security of the Keystone Exams, all TAs and Proctors must read and understand
the Handbook for Secure Test Administration. The Handbook for Secure Test Administration is Appendix A of this
manual; this document is also posted on the PDE website:
www.education.pa.gov [Roll over ‘DATA AND REPORTING’ in the dark blue bar across the top of the page.
Select ‘ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.’ Click on the link that reads ‘KEYSTONE EXAMS.’ Then click on
‘ADMINISTRATION MATERIALS.’]
Students may not discuss, disseminate, or otherwise reveal the assessment content to others. This includes talking
with others about questions on the test during or after the test. Students will be subject to discipline based on
the Local Education Agency’s (LEA’s) policy and procedures. Students should be assured that they may discuss the
testing process or issues of concern with their parents/guardians.

1. Test Security
a. TAs must complete the online Pennsylvania State Test Administration Training (PSTAT), found at
www.pstattraining.net, once every school year for which they are a TA or Proctor.
b. District Assessment Coordinators (DACs), School Assessment Coordinators (SACs), TAs, Principals, and
all other individuals who are involved in this assessment program must maintain the security of all
exam materials. Together, they share the responsibility for ensuring that all exam materials and student
responses are handled securely, confidentially, and in accordance with security mandates and other
general procedures. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
i. Except where allowed by a specific written accommodation, only students being tested are allowed to
view the content of the exam materials.
ii. No secure materials from the exam may be copied, photographed, or recorded in any manner.
iii. Student responses must not be reviewed for accuracy or completeness by anyone other than the
student.
iv. Students may not review responses at any time other than during the administration of an exam
module.
c. Every TA/Proctor involved in the administration of any Keystone Exam must sign and date a Keystone Exam
Test Security Certification Form. This certification must be signed and dated after completing administration
of all Keystone Exams within this testing window. The Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form certifies
that all security measures for the Keystone Exams were maintained, including but not limited to:
i. following test security regulations and procedures,
ii. handling secure assessment materials appropriately, and
iii. maintaining confidentiality of information contained within secure assessment materials.

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PART I: Important Information
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Part I
A copy of the Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form is provided in Appendix B and in the Keystone
Exams Handbook for Assessment Coordinators. Prior to the administration of the exam, the SAC will
distribute copies of this certification to all TAs and Proctors involved in the administration of this Keystone
Exam. Prior to receiving any exam materials or participating in the administration of the Keystone Exams in
any way, the TA/Proctor must read and understand the Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form. Upon
completion of the exam administration, the form must be signed, dated, and returned to the SAC.

2. Reporting Irregularities
If a test security violation is suspected, contact the SAC immediately. If you believe the SAC may have
involvement in the violation, immediately contact PDE directly at [email protected] or
844‑418‑1651. Sending an email with a detailed subject line will provide a faster response from PDE
than calling the toll-free number. Please ensure that you only utilize the email account or telephone
number provided here.

3. Avoiding Inappropriate Test-Taking Strategies

Every answer booklet will be processed by scanners that detect all pencil marks. As such, it is not appropriate
to have students taking a paper assessment eliminate answers by striking through an answer bubble or by
bubbling multiple answers and later erasing. Likewise, students should not make any extraneous marks in the
answer booklet (e.g., crossing out answers believed to be incorrect). Students must mark their final responses
in the answer booklet. Students must not discuss, disseminate, or otherwise reveal the assessment content to
others.

4. Storing Secure Materials

All paper answer booklets and test booklets are considered secure materials and must be kept in a preselected,
locked, secure storage area at both the district and school levels. Secure materials must never be left unattended
or in open areas. TAs must not be given access to secure test materials before the administration day. Instead,
TAs should only be given access to secure test materials immediately preceding test administration. It is
mandatory that school districts utilize a sign-out/sign-in sheet for distribution and collection of secure
test materials. It is recommended that TAs count the number of test booklets and answer booklets received
and returned in the presence of the SAC or his/her designee.
a. The Directions for Administration Manuals are not considered secure test materials and should be provided
to TAs prior to the assessment for review.
b. Each student taking the Algebra I Keystone Exam will receive one test booklet and one answer booklet.
c. Scratch/grid paper and any other paper on which students have written is considered secure and must be
collected at the end of each testing session to be destroyed by the SAC or his/her designee.
All secure testing materials must be inventoried, counted, and returned immediately to the SAC or his/her
designee after testing is completed. Individual restroom breaks during testing are permitted but require
monitoring. Materials must be kept secure after testing and prior to shipping to Data Recognition Corporation
(DRC).

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PART II: General Assessment Information
Algebra I

A. Summary of the Test Administrator’s Responsibilities

1. Complete the Pennsylvania State Test Administration Training (PSTAT) online module, prior to working as a
TA/Proctor, one time per school year (this satisfies both the PSSA and Keystone Exam requirement for the
school year).
2. Become familiar with the exam administration procedures provided in this document, the Algebra I
Keystone Exam Directions for Administration Manual.
3. Receive student exam materials from the SAC immediately prior to the testing session on the day during
Part II

which you are scheduled to be a TA (or Proctor) for the Algebra I Keystone Exam.
4. Alert the SAC if any student information on the label or bubbled in is incorrect and needs to be changed.
5. Look at the back cover of each answer booklet and ensure that your initials are correctly bubbled in the
Test Administrator Initials fields. Some schools may have TAs bubble in the Test Administrator initials, and
other schools may have bubbled in the Test Administrator initials. If incorrect or missing, alert your SAC.
6. Distribute the test booklets and answer booklets to the students at the time of the exam, making certain
that the form numbers match.
7. Read the directions for administration to students at the start and end of each module of the Algebra I
Keystone Exam.
8. Actively monitor the exam environment during the scheduled exam time. Actively monitoring is monitoring
the administration of the exam and nothing else.
9. Collect, account for (including counting the number received and returned), and return all student exam
materials to the SAC or his/her designee at the end of each exam session.
10. Return the formula sheet, all scratch/grid paper, and any other paper on which students have written to the
SAC or his/her designee at the end of each exam session.
11. Review, understand, and return the signed and dated Keystone Exam Security Certification (Test Administrator
and Proctor) to the SAC at the end of the final Keystone Exam administration.

B. Follow the Exam Schedule Set by the School Assessment Coordinator

The Algebra I Keystone Exam must be administered within the PDE-designated exam window on the dates
assigned by the LEA. The exam should be given in a regular classroom setting if possible. Other settings may be
used according to needs and available facilities. However, exam situations created to dishonestly inflate assessment
scores are a violation of exam security.
The Algebra I Keystone Exam consists of two modules. Each module must be scheduled as a separate exam
session. Since the Keystone Exams are untimed, there may be instances in which the actual testing times take
longer than the recommended testing times. It is recommended that exam modules not be scheduled back-to-
back in the morning (or the afternoon). Instead, it is recommended the exam modules be divided across two days
or divided across the morning and afternoon of the same day. The SAC must discuss the schedule with TAs at least
one week prior to the exam dates. Please note that each module in this exam is designed to be completed in the
same amount of administration time. See Part II: General Assessment Information Section J, General Organization
of the Exam for more information on administration time and testing time.

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PART II: General Assessment Information
Algebra I

C. Exam Administration Procedures

The procedures listed below must be followed prior to the administration of the Algebra I Keystone Exam.
1. The SAC will receive a Keystone Exams Handbook for Assessment Coordinators that provides additional
detailed information about the exam. This document is also posted on these portals:
a. https://pa.drcedirect.com [Click on ‘All Applications.’ Then click on ‘Documents’ under the ‘General
Information’ tab.]
b. www.education.pa.gov [Roll over ‘DATA AND REPORTING’ in the dark blue bar across the top of the

Part II
page. Select ‘ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.’ Click on the link that reads ‘KEYSTONE EXAMS.’ Then
click on ‘ADMINISTRATION MATERIALS.’]
2. The entire Algebra I Keystone Exam Directions for Administration Manual (this document) must be read in
advance in order to become familiar with the procedures for administering the exam. Prior to the exam
administration, the TA must do the following:
a. Become familiar with all procedures laid out in the Directions for Administration Manual.
b. Follow the directions of the SAC and the directions in this manual for maintaining test security.
c. Plan sufficient time for distribution and collection of materials.
d. Arrange student seating to prevent student interaction during the exam sessions.
e. Keep seating charts for every exam he or she administers (recommended).
3. Prior to the assessment, ensure that all answer booklets have a barcode label affixed. For those booklets
that have a District/School Label, rather than a Student Precode Label, ensure that the SAC or his/her
designee has bubbled in all appropriate information on pages 1 and 2 (see “Reviewing Barcode (District/
School or Student Precode) Labels” on page 14 of this document).
4. Review the Exam Directions that students will have access to during the exam administration. See
Appendix C for more information.
5. Ensure that each student in the testing group receives any accommodations he or she is entitled to
and that you as the proctor are aware of how those accommodations are administered. Approved test
accommodations are outlined in the current PSSA and Keystone Accommodations Guidelines and in the
current Accommodations Guidelines for English Learners. These documents are posted on the following
portals:
a. https://pa.drcedirect.com [Click on ‘All Applications.’ Then click on ‘Documents’ under the ‘General
Information’ tab.]
b. www.education.pa.gov [Roll over ‘DATA AND REPORTING’ in the dark blue bar across the top of the
page. Select ‘ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.’ Click on the link that reads ‘KEYSTONE EXAMS.’ Then
click on ‘ACCOMMODATIONS.’]
Note: For the Algebra I Keystone Exam, any student, regardless of IEP status, may have a word, phrase, or
test item read aloud upon request. If the student has a documented need for more than an occasional
word, phrase, or test item to be read aloud, school personnel must bubble “Some test items/questions
read aloud” under “Student used the following Presentation Accommodations” on page 3 of the student’s
answer booklet. However, it is only appropriate to read all test items aloud if this practice is documented as
an accommodation. If reading the entire exam is used as an accommodation, school personnel must bubble
“All test items/questions read aloud” under “Student used the following Presentation Accommodations” on
page 3 of the student’s answer booklet. TAs must follow the read-aloud guidelines when administering the
Keystone Exams.

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Not all accommodations that are provided on a day-to-day basis in the classroom are approved for use
with the Keystone Exams; however, all accommodations in IEPs or 504 Plans must be considered when
planning for the administration of the Keystone Exams.
6. This exam includes multiple test forms. A form number is on the front cover of each test booklet and
each answer booklet. Each student must use a test booklet and an answer booklet with a matching form
number designation.
7. Review, understand, and return the signed and dated Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form (Test
Administrator and Proctor) to the SAC at the end of the final Keystone Exam administration for which he or
Part II

she is a TA or Proctor. It is found in Appendix B. Contact your SAC if you need more information.

D. Prepare the Students for the Exam

1. Inform students in advance of the schedule for the exam sessions.
2. Students are not permitted to have cell phones, cameras, smartphones, smartwatches, or any other
unapproved electronic devices in their possession during the administration of the exam. Students must
be informed of this policy in advance and should be encouraged to leave such items at home on exam
days. The TA must collect all such devices prior to distributing assessment materials.
3. PDE encourages school districts and schools to inform students before testing begins of the locally
determined ramifications/sanctions for student misconduct during the Keystone Exams. This includes, but
is not limited to, discipline associated with cheating, sharing, and/or reproduction of test content.
4. Discuss the Code of Conduct for Test Takers (Appendix D) with all students prior to the scheduled exam
time. It is essential that students understand the importance of each point in the Code of Conduct for Test
Takers before testing begins. Prior to the administration, students must fill in the appropriate bubble
indicating that they understand the Code of Conduct for Test Takers that their TA (or other school personnel)
has reviewed with them. TAs should answer any questions that students have to ensure that all students
understand this code of conduct. Students should be assured that they may discuss the testing process or
issues of concern with their parents/guardians.
5. Students may not use a dictionary or a thesaurus for any part of this exam. Note: An exception is made for
English Learners (ELs) taking any portion of the exam. They may use word-to-word bilingual/translation
dictionaries that translate native language to English or English to native language. Bilingual/translation
dictionaries that include word definitions or pictures are not allowed. If an EL student is using this
accommodation, the TA must follow the direction of the SAC for recording its use in the student’s answer
booklet.
6. Students must use a No. 2 pencil; an ink pen may not be used.
7. Students may highlight, underline, and make notes or comments in the test booklet, but they must record
their answers in the answer booklet. They may also use scratch/grid paper. All scratch/grid paper and any
other paper on which students have written must be collected and returned to the SAC. Students must
not use highlighters on the answer bubbles.
8. Students should not make any extraneous marks on or near the answer bubbles (e.g., crossing out answers
believed to be incorrect or marking multiple answers thought to be correct) but should only mark their
final response in the answer booklet.

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PART II: General Assessment Information
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9. The Algebra I Keystone Exam includes questions that require students to select from four possible answer
choices. These multiple-choice questions and answer choices are found in the test booklet. Students will
read each question and record their answer in the space provided in their answer booklet. Answers written
or marked in the test booklet or on scratch/grid paper will not be scored. The Algebra I Keystone Exam
includes questions that require students to write a response. These questions appear in the answer
booklet only. Students will read each question and write their responses in the spaces provided in the
answer booklet.
10. Students may use calculators for the Algebra l Keystone Exam, including scientific and graphing calculators,

Part II
provided the calculator meets the guidelines in the Pennsylvania Calculator Policy. Note: Students may not
share calculators during the exam. All calculators must be cleared of all stored information and programs
that are not factory installed before and after they are used on any state exam. The calculator memory must
be cleared by the TA after the Keystone Exam is completed. For more information, see the Pennsylvania
Calculator Policy in Appendix E of this manual.

Students are permitted to Students are NOT permitted to

yy use scratch/grid paper. (Students may use it to yy use preprinted graphic organizers.
create their own graphic organizers, etc., during yy possess or use unapproved electronic
the exam.) devices, including cell phones, smartphones,
yy highlight, underline, and make notes or comments smartwatches, cameras, any type of computer, or
in the test booklet. (Students should not use any mobile device with a camera and/or Internet
highlighters to mark the answer bubbles.) access (e.g., tablets, MP3 players, gaming systems,
yy use a calculator on the exam, including scientific entertainment devices) at any time during the
and graphing calculators, in accordance with the exam.
Pennsylvania Calculator Policy (see Appendix E). yy possess or use dictionaries, thesauri, and spell- or
grammar checkers when responding to any part
of the exam (with the exception of word-to-word
translation dictionaries that may be used by EL
students).

E. Prepare the Classroom for the Exam

Good organization of exam materials and well-executed procedures will help the administration of the exam
proceed smoothly.
Remove or cover with opaque materials all classroom instructional materials or any other materials that could aid
students in answering test items.
DO NOT DISPLAY:
1. mathematics terms and/or definitions 5. instructions on how to use a calculator
2. mathematics rules and properties 6. illustrations or drawings of geometric shapes,
3. examples of problems and answers algorithms, algebraic equations, graphs,
4. multiplication tables number lines, etc.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. These are general examples of what is not permitted. Any materials that
may contain content that could be tested must be removed or covered.
The General Description of Scoring Guidelines used for Algebra I constructed-response questions (Appendix F) may
be displayed in the classroom. Each student test booklet contains a copy of the general scoring guidelines for
personal use. Additionally, each student may have a copy of the guidelines on his or her desk, but it must be a clean
copy.

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Student seating must be arranged to prevent student interaction during the exam sessions. A quiet, calm
atmosphere is conducive to concentration on the exam. Disturbances must be kept to a minimum during the
exam sessions. Posting a “Testing—Do Not Disturb” sign on the door(s) to the classroom indicates that an exam
is in session. Students should not be permitted to sharpen pencils during the exam sessions. Each student should
have at least two sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers and some scratch/grid paper. Extra sharpened pencils
must be available for students.

F. Required Exam Materials

Part II

The SAC will provide the TA with the appropriate exam materials on each administration day. After each module,
exam materials, including scratch/grid paper and any other paper on which students have written, must be
returned immediately to the SAC. Every answer booklet has a unique security number and barcode printed on
the back cover. These security numbers should be used to track the distribution and collection of secure exam
materials. All secure exam materials assigned to a school must be accounted for and returned to Data Recognition
Corporation (DRC) by the DAC and/or SAC.

G. Organize the Exam Materials

The person administering the assessment should have:
EXAM MATERIALS
1. One Algebra I Keystone Exam Directions for
Administration Manual (this document)
2. “Testing—Do Not Disturb” sign(s) to hang on
2019
the classroom door(s) Summer
Summer FORM
2019
Algebra I 01
3. Extra sharpened pencils for students to use
Answer Booklet

Each student being tested should have:

1. One Algebra I Keystone Exam Test Booklet

---
(There are three (03) different forms labeled
01 through 03. Students must use an answer
booklet and test booklet with matching form-
number designation.) 550999-10040010017 1

2. One Algebra I Keystone Exam Answer Booklet

with a Student Precode Label or a District/
School Label
3. Two sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers
4. Scratch/grid paper for each module
5. Algebra I Formula Sheet
6. Calculators may be used, including scientific and graphing calculators, but they may not be shared.
Calculators may be provided by the school, or students may use their own calculators; however, all
calculators must meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Calculator Policy (Appendix E).

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 Keystone
PART II: General Assessment Information
Algebra I

H. Damaged Answer Booklets

If a student receives an Algebra I Keystone Exam answer booklet with damaged or missing pages, replace it with an
answer booklet of the same form number and allow the student to continue working. If the student has already
begun one or both modules of the exam, the student should start working in the new answer booklet at the
point where the defect was discovered and use the new answer booklet for the remainder of the exam. After the
assessment has been completed, the SAC or his/her designee must transcribe verbatim all of the student’s previous
responses into the undamaged answer booklet. It is recommended the transcription take place in the presence of a
professional staff member who will sign the appropriate Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form. The student

Part II
may not transcribe answers. On the new booklet, the SAC or his/her designee must affix a District/School Label,
write in the student’s name, and fill in the corresponding bubbles. Applicable portions of page 2 of the booklet
should also be completed. Do not insert pages from one answer booklet into another. Multiple documents for
one student and loose pages will not be scored.
The TA should give the damaged answer booklet to the SAC. The SAC will apply a “Do Not Score” label over the
existing label on the front cover and return it to DRC.

I. Test Management Concerns

A number of circumstances outlined in this document can be resolved by the TA in consultation with the SAC.
Those instances include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Student cheating
2. Test security violation
3. Improper test administration
4. Student illness (during testing)
Issues requiring additional directions and any circumstances not outlined in this manual may need to be resolved
with the SAC and/or DAC and/or PDE. Any test security violation should be reported to the SAC.
If a test security violation is suspected, contact the SAC immediately. If you believe the SAC may have
involvement in the violation, immediately contact PDE directly at [email protected] or
844‑418‑1651. Sending an email with a detailed subject line will provide a faster response from PDE than
calling the toll-free number. Please ensure that you only utilize the email account or telephone number
provided here.

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 Keystone
PART II: General Assessment Information
Algebra I

J. General Organization of the Exam

The Algebra I Keystone Exam consists of two modules, and each module must be scheduled as a separate exam
session. The SAC must discuss the schedule with the TA at least one week prior to the exam dates. Enough time
must be scheduled for the preparation of the classroom. Each module in the Algebra I Keystone Exam is designed
to be completed in the same amount of administration time. The following administration times are estimates and
are supplied for scheduling purposes only.

Multiple- Constructed- Estimated Time Needed (in minutes)

Part II

Course Module Choice Response Administrative Actual Total

Questions Questions Tasks Exam Administration
Algebra I 1 23 4 10–15 75 85–90

Algebra I 2 23 4 10–15 75 85–90

K. Code of Conduct for Test Takers

The Code of Conduct for Test Takers (Appendix D in this manual) provides requirements that students must follow
before, during, and after each assessment. It is important that the Code of Conduct for Test Takers be reviewed
with all students and that all questions are answered such that all students understand each point in this
code of conduct before the testing day.

L. Display Exam Information

During the exam, students are to respond to a specific set of questions. The following Algebra I Keystone Exam
information must be displayed on a chalkboard, dry-erase board, or other easily visible medium during each
module (test session). Only information about the current exam module (test session) should be displayed.

Algebra I Algebra I
Module 1 Module 2
Exam Questions 1–27 Exam Questions 1–27
Test Booklet Test Booklet
Start on page 6 Start on page 22
Answer Booklet Answer Booklet
Start on page 5 Start on page 17

In addition, the following statement must be displayed on the chalkboard, dry-erase board, or other easily visible
medium:
“Go back to make sure you have answered each question in this module before closing your test booklet and
answer booklet.”

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 Keystone
PART II: General Assessment Information
Algebra I

M. Extended Exam Time

The Algebra I Keystone Exam is an untimed assessment. Not all students will finish the exam at the same time.
Students should not feel rushed while they are taking the exam, and no student should be penalized because he or
she works slowly. It is equally important, however, to encourage students to work in a timely manner to finish the
exam. Students should close their test booklets and answer booklets when they have finished the module of the
exam that they have been assigned. Students should keep scratch/grid paper and all other paper on which they
have written separate from their booklets. TAs must collect exam materials, including scratch/grid paper, when
students are finished testing rather than keeping the exam materials closed on the students’ desks.

Part II
1. Students who finish early may sit quietly, read for pleasure, or read non-content related materials until all
students have finished. Reading for pleasure includes magazines along with fiction text such as novels,
short stories, poetry, etc. Reading anything that may include information related to the content area being
assessed is not allowed. Written work/drawing/coloring of any kind is prohibited to ensure students are
not recording secure test content.
2. TAs should follow the direction of the SAC to determine when the exam session should end and when
students who have not finished should be provided an extended-time setting. This may involve using
professional judgment. As a general guideline, the exam session should be ended when all students
indicate they have finished an exam module. If the time scheduled for the administration of the module
ends, students not finished should report to the extended time location. All students should complete a
module within a school day, and modules must be scheduled so that there is enough time to complete the
module within the school day.
3. Any student may request extended time if they indicate they have not completed an exam module. Such
requests should be granted if the TA finds the request to be educationally valid. Not permitting ample time
for students to complete the exam module may impact performance.
4. Students with special requirements and/or disabilities (i.e., physical, visual, auditory, or learning disabilities
as defined by their IEP or service contracts) and students who work slowly may require an extended-time
setting. Special exam situations should be arranged for these students.
5. When allowing extended time for an exam session for a portion of the student population:
a. Do not allow students to attend a lunch period with other students if the lunch period occurs between
the original exam session and the extended exam session.
b. Do not allow students to attend any classes or related activities between the original exam session and
the extended exam session.
c. Do not allow any overnight extensions.
d. Do not allow students to return to a module after the completion of that module.
Do not allow the extended exam session to be administered without monitoring. It is the responsibility
of a TA to monitor any extended exam session, whether in the classroom where the exam was begun or
in a separate location.

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 Keystone
PART II: General Assessment Information
Algebra I

N. Exam Administration Reminders

It is important to use standardized exam procedures to maintain fairness for all students. Following the exam
administration instructions carefully ensures that all students are tested under similar conditions in all classrooms.
Before exam administration:
1. Be sure each student has the correct test booklet and answer booklet (correct student name and the form
number is the same on the test booklet and answer booklet).
Part II

2. Be certain to direct students as to where and how to mark or write their answers.
3. Follow the directions of the SAC and this manual for maintaining exam security.
4. Establish an environment that encourages students to approach the exam in a positive manner.
5. Read and follow the Handbook for Secure Test Administration (Appendix A). This document is also posted
on the PDE website:
www.education.pa.gov [Roll over ‘DATA AND REPORTING’ in the dark blue bar across the top of the page.
Select ‘ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.’ Click on the link that reads ‘KEYSTONE EXAMS.’ Then click on
‘ADMINISTRATION MATERIALS.’]
During exam administration:
1. Follow the directions of the SAC and this manual for maintaining exam security.
2. The Keystone Exam Directions are provided in Appendix C of this manual. They may be reread to students
as needed during the administration; however, the TA may not paraphrase or offer additional information
and may not give information that provides clues concerning exam questions or answer choices.
3. It is acceptable to encourage the group of students to keep trying.

yy In this Keystone Exam, the presentation of specific exam questions varies from one form to another.
This variation is an intentional element of the Keystone Exams.
yy For the remainder of this manual, indented text in bold type is to be read aloud to students exactly as
written. All other text is information for the TA.

When ready to start the exam, the TA should begin with Part III: Directions for Administering Module 1 on the next
page of this manual.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 12 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
PART III: Directions for Administering Module 1
Algebra I

A. Getting Started with the Exam

Make sure that all students have two sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers. Students are not to have in
their possession a cell phone, camera, smartphone, smartwatch, or other unapproved electronic device. Collect all
unapproved electronic devices prior to distributing any exam materials.
Say:
Welcome to the Algebra I Keystone Exam. I will now distribute the test booklets and answer booklets.
Do not open your test booklet or answer booklet until I tell you to do so.
First, distribute answer booklets with front covers facing up; second, distribute test booklets with front covers
facing up.
Answer booklets must have a Student Precode Label or a District/School Label if the Student Precode Label is not
available. Contact the SAC if you do not a have a labeled answer booklet for each student. If a Student Precode
Label is not on a student’s answer booklet, the SAC or his/her designee should have printed the student’s name (as
the name appears in PIMS) on the front cover and bubbled in the letters corresponding to the name.

Part III – Module 1

EXAM MATERIALS

2019
Summer
Summer FORM
2019
Algebra I
Answer Booklet
01
---

550999-10040010017 1

Note: A form number is on the front cover of each test booklet and each answer booklet. There are three (03)
different forms labeled 01 through 03. Make certain that the form number on each student’s test booklet
matches the form number on each student’s answer booklet.
Say:
Each of you should have an Algebra I Keystone Exam Test Booklet and Answer Booklet. Look at the
front covers of the two booklets. In the upper right-hand corner of the test booklet, there is a number
from 01 through 03 in the box. Make sure that this number is the same as the number shown near
the upper left-hand corner of the answer booklet. If the number in the box on your answer booklet
is not the same, raise your hand, and I will give you a new test booklet.
Check to see that each student has the correct test booklet and answer booklet. Correct any errors in booklet
distribution. When all students are ready, say:
Look at the front cover of your test booklet. Print your full, legal name on the line provided at the
top of the page.

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 Keystone
PART III: Directions for Administering Module 1
Algebra I

Pause while students print their names on the line on the cover of their test booklets. The student’s name on the
front of the test booklet helps to ensure accurate distribution of the correct test booklet to each student at the
beginning of each exam session. Make certain that all students have recorded their names (as they appear in PIMS)
correctly. When students are ready, continue with the next section of this manual.

B. Reviewing Barcode (District/School or Student Precode) Labels

Say:
Look at the front cover of your answer booklet. In the lower left-hand corner is a barcode label.
Check to see if the barcode label has a colored stripe on it.

If the barcode label DOES NOT have a colored stripe, check to make sure your full, legal name and
birthdate are correct. Raise your hand if you find an error.

If the barcode label DOES have a colored stripe, check to make sure that your full, legal name is
printed in the boxes near the top of the cover page of your answer booklet.
Part III – Module 1

If the barcode label DOES have a colored stripe and your name IS NOT printed in the boxes, please
raise your hand.
If the label on a student’s answer booklet has a colored stripe, but the student’s name is not printed in the boxes,
contact your SAC immediately to obtain the student’s name, PAsecureID, and birth date as it appears in PIMS. The
student may work on the assessment while the SAC obtains the student’s name, PAsecureID, and birth date. Either
the SAC or the SAC’s designee must fill in the information for the student.
Note: If any barcode label has an error on it, please contact the SAC.
Say:
In the bottom right-hand corner of your answer booklet is a box labeled “CODE OF CONDUCT.” Read
the statement inside this box silently as I read it aloud. “I have read, or have had read to me, the
‘Code of Conduct for Test Takers.’ By marking this bubble, I verify that I understand the directions in
the code.” If you understand the Code of Conduct for Test Takers, darken the circle inside the box now.
If you have questions about the Code of Conduct for Test Takers, raise your hand.
Answer student questions until all understand the Code of Conduct for Test Takers and darken the circle inside the
box. (The Code of Conduct for Test Takers is Appendix D of this manual.) When students are ready, continue with the
next section of this manual.

C. Administering the Algebra I Exam – Module 1

When all students are ready, say:
I will now distribute scratch/grid paper and the formula sheet to be used with this module of the
Algebra I Keystone Exam.
Distribute scratch/grid paper and the formula sheet. When all students are ready, say:
You may use the formula sheet at any time while taking this test. Do not write on the formula sheet,
as you may use it for Module 2 of the test.

Now we are ready to begin Algebra I—Module 1. Carefully follow the directions and give this
exam your best effort. Open your test booklet to page 2. In the middle of the page is a box labeled
“ATTENTION.” Read the paragraph inside this box now.
Pause for students to read the paragraph. Then say:
Are there any questions about this paragraph or the formula sheet?

Pennsylvania Department of Education 14 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
PART III: Directions for Administering Module 1
Algebra I

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:

Turn to page 4 in your test booklet. Fold your test booklet back so that only page 4 is showing.
Pause while students find the correct page in their test booklets. Make sure all students have folded their test
booklets back so that only page 4 is showing. When all students are ready, say:
Look at the directions on page 4. Read the directions silently as I read them aloud.

On the following pages of this test booklet are the Keystone Algebra I Exam questions for Module 1.

You may use a calculator on this module. When performing operations with π (pi), you may use either
calculator π or the number 3.14 as an approximation of π.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Continue to read the directions on page 4 silently as I read them aloud.

Part III – Module 1

There are two types of questions in each module.

Multiple-Choice Questions

These questions will ask you to select an answer from among four choices.

yy First read the question and solve the problem on scratch paper. Then choose the correct answer.
yy Only one of the answers provided is correct.
yy If none of the choices matches your answer, go back and check your work for possible errors.
yy Record your answer in the Algebra I answer booklet.
yy Do not eliminate answers by crossing out bubbles.
yy Erase any stray marks in the bubbles.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Continue to read the directions on page 4 silently as I read them aloud.

Constructed-Response Questions

These questions will require you to write your response.

yy These questions have more than one part.

yy Read the items carefully and respond to exactly what is being asked. You will only be given credit
by responding to what is requested; you will not be given credit for work that is not requested in the
questions.
yy You cannot receive the highest score for a constructed-response question without completing all
the tasks in the question.
yy All responses must be written in the appropriate location in the Algebra I answer booklet. Some
answers may require graphing, plotting, labeling, drawing, or shading. If you use scratch paper to
write your draft, be sure to transfer your final response to the Algebra I answer booklet.
Are there any questions?

Pennsylvania Department of Education 15 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
PART III: Directions for Administering Module 1
Algebra I

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:

Continue to read the directions on page 4 silently as I read them aloud.

If you finish early, you may check your work in Module 1 only.

yy Do not look ahead at the questions in Module 2 of your exam materials.

yy After you have checked your work, close your exam materials.

You may refer to this page at any time during this portion of the exam.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Now turn over your booklet to page 5 of your test booklet.
Pause while students turn to the correct page in their test booklets. When all students are ready, say:
Part III – Module 1

On page 5 of your test booklet is the General Description of Scoring Guidelines that gives an overall
description of how items are scored for the Algebra I constructed-response questions. Each item has
a specific scoring guide that is used by professional scorers. You may refer to the General Description
of Scoring Guidelines at any time while responding to a constructed-response question for Algebra I.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
We are now ready to start Module 1. Unfold your test booklet and turn to page 6. Turn to page 5 in
your answer booklet. Look at the “GO ON” arrow on the bottom of each page. The “GO ON” arrow
indicates that you are not yet finished with Module 1 and you are to continue on to the next page.
Follow all “GO ON” arrows and directions that tell you which questions are in your test booklet and
which questions are in the Module 1 section of your answer booklet. At the end of Module 1, you
will see a “STOP” sign in your test booklet and a “STOP” sign in your answer booklet. Make sure you
continue to respond to questions until you see the “STOP” sign in both your test booklet and your
answer booklet.

Remember to complete questions 1 through 27 in Module 1 and to mark only one correct answer
for  each multiple choice question and completely answer each open-ended question in the
Module 1 section of your answer booklet. Make sure that you have completely erased wherever you
have changed an answer or made a stray mark in the Module 1 section of your answer booklet. Then
close your answer booklet and place it inside your test booklet so I will know you have finished. I
will collect your exam materials when you finish. You may sit quietly, read for pleasure, or read non-
content related materials until the rest of the class completes Module 1. Are there any questions?
Answer all questions.
Note: Students who finish early may sit quietly, read for pleasure, or read non-content related materials until all
students have finished. Reading for pleasure includes magazines along with fiction text such as novels, short
stories, poetry, etc. Reading anything that may include information related to the content area being assessed is
not allowed. Written work/drawing/coloring of any kind is prohibited to ensure students are not recording secure
test content.
When all students are ready, say:
You may begin.

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 Keystone
PART III: Directions for Administering Module 1
Algebra I

While students are taking the exam, be available to repeat test directions and/or direct students to the correct
section of the test. TAs may encourage the group of students without providing any individual or group help that
might suggest the correct answer to a question. Do not communicate to a student that the student should “check”
an answer or that the student has answered an item incorrectly. You may, however, provide clarification of exam
directions to the group of students. The Exam Directions are in Appendix C of this manual. They may be repeated
to the group of students as needed during the administration.
Encourage the group of students to try all of the tasks (questions) and to complete the exam. An incorrect answer
is scored the same as an unanswered item. The testing time for this module is estimated to be 75 minutes, but
the actual administration time may vary. Collect test materials, including scratch/grid paper, formula sheets, and
any other paper on which students have written, when students are finished testing rather than keeping booklets
closed on the students’ desks. End the session when all students have completed the module or you are at the
end of the scheduled time. Since each student is to be provided sufficient time to finish the exam, additional time
may be allowed on an individual basis if one or more students are continuing to make reasonable progress on the
exam. For more information about Extended Exam Time, see Part II of this manual. When you have confirmed that
approximately five minutes remain in the testing time for the group and not all students have finished, say:

Part III – Module 1

This session will end in about five minutes. Make sure that you have completely erased wherever
you have changed an answer or made a stray mark in the Module 1 section of your answer booklet.
If you need additional time to complete this section, raise your hand, and you will be provided with
extra time and given additional directions.
Allow time for students to erase wherever necessary. When all students are ready, say:
Close your test booklet and answer booklet.

You will use the same booklets for Module 2, so make sure your name is on the front cover of each
booklet. Place your answer booklet inside the test booklet. I will now collect your scratch/grid paper,
any other paper on which you have written, and the formula sheet.
Collect used scratch/grid paper, any other paper on which students have written, and formula sheets. Used scratch/
grid paper and any other paper on which students have written must be returned to the SAC or his/her designee
and kept in a secure location until it can be destroyed by the SAC (or his/her designee) or DAC (or his/her designee).
All calculators used during the exam must be cleared of any information entered during this module. Note: If
students used school-provided calculators, also collect the calculators.
yy If you are administering Module 2 later in the same day, say:
You are going to take Module 2 later today, so I will now collect your test booklet and answer booklet.
They will be returned to you at that time.
yy If you are administering Module 2 on a different day [you may specify the day], say:
You are going to take Module 2 on [a different day or say the name of the day], so I will now collect
your test booklet and answer booklet. Your test and answer booklets will be returned to you at that
time.
Collect the booklets in a systematic fashion, making sure that answer booklets have been placed inside the test
booklets and that each student’s name is on his or her test booklet.
Return all secure materials (test booklets, answer booklets, used scratch/grid paper, any other paper on which
students have written, and formula sheets) immediately to the SAC or his/her designee for secure storage. If the
calculators have not been cleared, please clear the calculators at this time. Note: Do NOT review student responses
to test questions for completeness or accuracy. Do NOT review answer booklets for stray marks. Do NOT place
scratch paper inside the test booklet or answer booklet.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 17 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
PART IV: Directions for Administering Module 2
Algebra I

A. Administering the Algebra I Exam – Module 2

Make sure all students have two sharpened No. 2 pencils with good erasers. Students are not to have in their
possession a cell phone, camera, smartphone, smartwatch, or other unapproved electronic device. Collect all
unapproved electronic devices prior to distributing any exam materials. Distribute test booklets and answer
booklets to students, making certain each student has the correct booklets. The scratch/grid paper must be blank
and the formula sheets must have no additional writing.
Say:
Check to make sure that your name is on the front cover of both the test booklet and the
answer booklet.
When all students are ready, say:
I will now distribute scratch/grid paper and the formula sheet to be used with this module of the
Algebra I Keystone Exam.
Distribute scratch/grid paper and the formula sheet. When all students are ready, say:
You may use the formula sheet at any time while taking this test. Do not write on the formula
sheet. Now we are ready to begin Algebra I—Module 2. Carefully follow the directions and give this
exam your best effort. Open your test booklet to page 2. In the middle of the page is a box labeled
“ATTENTION.” Read the paragraph inside this box now.
Pause for students to read the paragraph. Then say:
Are there any questions about this paragraph or the formula sheet?
Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Turn to page 20 in your test booklet. Fold your test booklet back so that only page 20 is showing.
Part IV – Module 2

Pause while students find the correct page in their test booklets. Make sure all students have folded their test
booklets back so that only page 20 is showing. When all students are ready, say:
Look at the directions on page 20. Read the directions silently as I read them aloud.

On the following pages of this test booklet are the Keystone Algebra I Exam questions for Module 2.

You may use a calculator on this module. When performing operations with π (pi), you may use either
calculator π or the number 3.14 as an approximation of π.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Continue to read the directions on page 20 silently as I read them aloud.

There are two types of questions in each module.

Multiple-Choice Questions

These questions will ask you to select an answer from among four choices.

yy First read the question and solve the problem on scratch paper. Then choose the correct answer.
yy Only one of the answers provided is correct.
yy If none of the choices matches your answer, go back and check your work for possible errors.
yy Record your answer in the Algebra I answer booklet.
yy Do not eliminate answers by crossing out bubbles.
yy Erase any stray marks in the bubbles.

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 Keystone
PART IV: Directions for Administering Module 2
Algebra I

Say:
Are there any questions?
Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Continue to read the directions on page 20 silently as I read them aloud.

Constructed-Response Questions

These questions will require you to write your response.

yy These questions have more than one part.

yy Read the items carefully and respond to exactly what is being asked. You will only be given credit
by responding to what is requested; you will not be given credit for work that is not requested in the
questions.
yy You cannot receive the highest score for a constructed-response question without completing all
the tasks in the question.
yy All responses must be written in the appropriate location in the Algebra I answer booklet. Some
answers may require graphing, plotting, labeling, drawing, or shading. If you use scratch paper to
write your draft, be sure to transfer your final response to the Algebra I answer booklet.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Continue to read the directions on page 20 silently as I read them aloud.

Part IV – Module 2
If you finish early, you may check your work in Module 2 only.

yy Do not look back at the questions in Module 1 of your exam materials.

yy After you have checked your work, close your exam materials.

You may refer to this page at any time during this portion of the exam.

Are there any questions?

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:
Now turn over your booklet to page 21 of your test booklet.
Pause while students turn to the correct page in their test booklets. When all students are ready, say:
On page 21 of your test booklet is the General Description of Scoring Guidelines that gives an overall
description of how items are scored for the Algebra I constructed-response questions. Each item has
a specific scoring guide that is used by professional scorers. You may refer to the General Description
of Scoring Guidelines at any time while responding to a constructed-response question for Algebra I.

Are there any questions?

Pennsylvania Department of Education 19 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
PART IV: Directions for Administering Module 2
Algebra I

Answer all questions. When all students are ready, say:

We are now ready to start Module 2. Unfold your test booklet and turn to page 22. Turn to page 17
in your answer booklet. Look at the “GO ON” arrow on the bottom of each page. The “GO ON” arrow
indicates that you are not yet finished with Module 2 and you are to continue on to the next page.
Follow all “GO ON” arrows and directions that tell you which questions are in your test booklet and
which questions are in the Module 2 section of your answer booklet. At the end of Module 2, you
will see a “STOP” sign in your test booklet and a “STOP” sign in your answer booklet. Make sure you
continue to respond to questions until you see the “STOP” sign in both your test booklet and your
answer booklet.

Remember to complete questions 1 through 27 in Module 2 and to mark only one correct answer
for  each multiple choice question and completely answer each open-ended question in the
Module 2 section of your answer booklet. Make sure that you have completely erased wherever you
have changed an answer or made a stray mark in the Module 2 section of your answer booklet. Then
close your answer booklet and place it inside your test booklet so I will know you have finished. I
will collect your exam materials when you finish. You may read or sit quietly until the rest of the class
completes Module 2. Are there any questions?
Answer all questions.
Note: Students who finish early may sit quietly, read for pleasure, or read non-content related materials until all
students have finished. Reading for pleasure includes magazines along with fiction text such as novels, short
stories, poetry, etc. Reading anything that may include information related to the content area being assessed is
not allowed. Written work/drawing/coloring of any kind is prohibited to ensure students are not recording secure
test content.
Part IV – Module 2

When all students are ready, say:

You may begin.
While students are taking the exam, be available to repeat test directions and/or direct students to the correct
section of the test. TAs may encourage the group of students without providing any individual or group help that
might suggest the correct answer to a question. Do not communicate to a student that the student should “check”
an answer or that the student has answered an item incorrectly. You may, however, provide clarification of exam
directions to the group of students. The Exam Directions are in Appendix C of this manual. They may be repeated
to the group of students as needed during the administration.
Encourage the group of students to try all of the tasks (questions) and to complete the exam. An incorrect answer
is scored the same as an unanswered item. The testing time for this module is estimated to be 75 minutes, but the
actual administration time may vary. Collect exam materials, including scratch/grid paper, any other paper on which
the students have written, and the formula sheets, when students are finished testing rather than keeping booklets
closed on the students’ desks. Since each student is to be provided sufficient time to finish the exam, additional
time may be allowed on an individual basis if one or more students are continuing to make reasonable progress on
the exam. For more information about Extended Exam Time, see Part II of this manual. When you have confirmed
that approximately five minutes remain in the testing time for the group and not all students have finished, say:
This session will end in about five minutes. Make sure that you have completely erased wherever
you have changed an answer or made a stray mark in the Module 2 section of your answer booklet.
If you need additional time to complete this section, raise your hand, and you will be provided with
extra time and given additional directions.
Allow time for students to erase wherever necessary.

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PART IV: Directions for Administering Module 2
Algebra I

When all students are ready, say:

Close your test booklet and answer booklet.

I will now collect your test booklet and answer booklet. Do not place your answer booklet inside
your test booklet. I will also collect your scratch/grid paper, any other paper on which you have
written, and the formula sheet.
Collect the booklets in a systematic fashion, making sure that the answer booklets have not been placed inside the
test booklets and that each student’s name is on his or her test booklet. Collect used scratch/grid paper, any other
paper on which students have written, and formula sheets. Used scratch/grid paper and any other paper on which
students have written must be returned to the SAC or his/her designee and kept in a secure location until it can be
destroyed. All calculators used during the exam must be cleared of any information entered during this module.
Note: If students used school-provided calculators, also collect the calculators. If the calculators have not been
cleared, please clear the calculators at this time.
Say:
This concludes the Algebra I Keystone Exam. I will now collect your test booklet and answer booklet.
Return all secure materials (test booklets, answer booklets, used scratch/grid paper, any other paper on which
students have written, and formula sheets) immediately to the SAC or his/her designee for secure storage. Note:
Do NOT review student responses to test questions for completeness or accuracy. Do NOT review answer booklets
for stray marks. Do NOT place scratch paper inside the test booklet or answer booklet.
Go on to read Part V: After Exam Administration found on the next page of this manual.

Part IV – Module 2

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PART V: After Exam Administration
Algebra I

A. After Testing Is Complete

After testing is complete:
1. Make sure each student turned in his/her answer booklet and test booklet.
2. Make sure student identification information is complete and correct on all students’ booklets. Make sure
the name on the test booklet corresponds with the name on the answer booklet for each student.
3. If a student answer booklet has a barcode label with a colored stripe (a District/School Label), make sure
that the SAC or his/her designee has completed the applicable portions of the front cover and page two of
the answer booklet. (See your SAC if you have questions or require further direction.)
4. If a student used any accommodation listed on page 3 of the answer booklet during the administration of
the exam, make sure that applicable portions of page 3 of the answer booklet are completed by filling in
the bubbles. (See your SAC if you have questions or require further direction.)
5. Do not check the response pages of the answer booklet for content, accuracy, completeness, or stray marks.
6. Review the Keystone Exam Security Certification (Test Administrator and Proctor) in Appendix B. Contact your
SAC if you need more information.

B. Return Materials
Test materials must be kept secure. Any unused test materials related to this assessment must be returned to the
SAC or his/her designee. This manual may be retained by the Test Administrator.
Return all test materials to the SAC or his/her designee for secure storage. This includes used and unused test
booklets and answer booklets, the formula sheets, used scratch/grid paper, and any other paper on which the
students have written. Test materials must be returned to the SAC or his/her designee immediately at the end of
the assessment session.
Reminder: All used answer booklets returned to Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) for processing must have a
barcode label (District/School, Student Precode, or Do Not Score) affixed to the front cover of the answer booklet.
Do not affix a barcode label to any unused answer booklets.
Remember: Every TA and Proctor involved in the administration of this Keystone Exam must sign and date a
Keystone Exam Security Certification (Test Administrator and Proctor) form upon completing their assigned duties
during the testing window. When a TA or Proctor signs and dates the Keystone Exam Security Certification (Test
Administrator and Proctor), that person certifies that all security measures have been followed for this Keystone
Exam administration. TAs and Proctors should return the signed and dated Keystone Exam Security Certification (Test
Part V

Administrator and Proctor) form to the SAC or his/her designee upon completion of their assigned duties during the
testing window.
If a test security violation is suspected, contact the SAC immediately. If you believe the SAC may have
involvement in the violation, immediately contact PDE directly at [email protected] or
844‑418‑1651. Sending an email with a detailed subject line will provide a faster response from PDE than
calling the toll-free number. Please ensure that you only utilize the email account or telephone number
provided here.
Note: The SAC has all information on returning exam materials to Data Recognition Corporation (DRC).

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Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Algebra I

Appendix A:

Handbook for Secure Test Administration

Appendices

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Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Algebra I

Handbook for Secure Test Administration

Security Statement

State assessments rely on the measurement of individual achievement. Any deviation from procedures meant
to ensure test validity and security (e.g., group work, teacher coaching, teaching or release of any test items,
use of previously administered Pennsylvania assessments as preparation tools) is strictly prohibited and will
be considered a violation of test security. Local Education Agency (LEA)/school personnel with access to the
assessment materials must not review, discuss, disseminate, or otherwise reveal the contents to anyone. (This
prohibition excludes the Item and Scoring Samplers available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s
(PDE’s) website.)

Any action by a professional employee or commissioned officer that is willfully designed to divulge test
questions, falsify student scores, or compromise the integrity of the state assessment system will be subject
to disciplinary action under the Educator Discipline Act, 24 P.S. §§ 2070.1a et seq, which may include a private
reprimand, a public reprimand, a suspension of his/her teaching certificate(s), a revocation of his/her teaching
certificate(s), and/or a suspension or prohibition from being employed by a charter school.

Training and Test Administration Procedures

The purpose of this handbook is to assist in the training of LEA/school personnel to properly and securely
administer state assessments. This handbook is also an important and valuable resource in implementing testing
successfully from planning and preparing to collecting and returning tests.

Roles and Responsibilities: Training

The District Assessment Coordinator (DAC) is responsible for completing all of the Pennsylvania State Test
Administration Trainings (PSTATs) provided by PDE for the DACs, SACs, and TAs/Proctors. DACs must complete the
Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) training on receiving and packaging materials, and any DAC specific training
provided by the PDE. The DAC is then responsible for coordinating all training that takes place in the LEA and for
determining specifics related to test administration such as a schedule, type of administration (paper/pencil or
online) and other LEA-level administrative aspects of the testing. The DAC is responsible for ALL training in the
LEA with primary responsibility for the direct training of SACs. In some LEAs the DAC may train the LEA-level staff
who handle and/or have access to secure test material.

The SAC receives training from the DAC and must also complete both the PSTAT training for SACs and for TAs/
Proctors. The SAC is then responsible to oversee all aspects of test administration in a building, including training
Test Administrators (TAs), proctors, and other building level staff.

The TAs/Proctors must complete the PSTAT training for TAs/Proctors. The TAs/Proctors are responsible for
administering the assessment and monitoring students during the assessment.
Appendices

Translators, interpreters, and scribes must complete the PSTAT training for TAs/Proctors and must also complete
the training offered by the school/district.

The Handbook for Assessment Coordinators provides more information related to training.

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Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Algebra I

Roles and Responsibilities: Test Administration

The following lists the general roles and responsibilities for DACs, SACs/Principals, TAs/Proctors, and general
personnel before, during, and after test administration. The lists are not exhaustive but provide a general
overview of the most important responsibilities of each individual in test administration. In some cases the
responsibilities may overlap between or among DACs, SACs, and/or TAs/Proctors. In these cases it is the
responsibility of the DAC to determine who has the primary responsibility and is accountable for specific duties,
especially when duties may be shared.

A. DISTRICT ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR TEST SECURITY GUIDELINES

General Statement: Administer the assessment using the best practices and with fidelity to the administrative
guidelines; keep the assessment materials secure and confidential; prevent any dishonest or fraudulent behavior
in the administration and handling of the assessment; and promote a fair and equitable testing environment in
order to obtain reliable and valid student scores.

Before Test Administration – DAC

Complete the PSTAT trainings for the administration of the assessments annually.

Complete the Accommodations Guidelines training annually.

Update eDIRECT accounts for LEA and school users.

Review the Handbook for Assessment Coordinators (HAC), Directions for Administration (DFA), Accommodations
Guidelines, Online User Guides (if online testing) and other test-related documents necessary to conduct training
for test administration.

Review the LEA’s policy/procedures for home-schooled students.

Review the LEA’s policy/procedures for handling cyber-charter schools’ requests to test their students.
Develop and maintain the LEA’s procedure for parental requests to view tests (opt-outs).

Develop and maintain the LEA’s procedure for handling breaks during test administration and keeping test and
answer booklets secure.

Develop and maintain the LEA’s procedure for handling disruptions during test administration and keeping test
and answer booklets secure.

Develop and maintain the LEA’s procedure for handling emergencies during test administration.

Develop the LEA’s master test schedule (including make-ups) that falls within PDE established test windows for
each administration and include it in training. Ensure that the test schedule is developed so that sections are
Appendices

administered in the sequence in which they are printed in the test booklets.

Develop a training agenda and train SACs and other LEA-level staff involved in test administration or the
handling of secure material prior to conducting any of their assigned work. (See Handbook for Assessment
Coordinators for more information).

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Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
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Ensure that SACs are trained on the test accountability and security information contained in the Handbook for
Assessment Coordinators.

Ensure that SACs are trained on the Accommodations Guidelines.

Ensure that all individuals involved in the handling of assessment materials and/or the administration of the
assessment are instructed in test security protocols and procedures.

Ensure that any individual who will administer and/or proctor the assessment completes the online PSTAT
annually.

Ensure that all individuals involved in the handling and/or administration of the assessment receive instruction
that all assessment materials, including all assessment booklets and other materials containing secure
assessment questions and student responses, are to be kept secure and precisely accounted for in accordance
with the procedures specified in the Handbook for Assessment Coordinators.

Ensure that SACs receive instruction on the policy regarding all electronic devices (cell phones, smartphones,
smartwatches, cameras, etc.).

Ensure that all individuals who assist in the administration of the assessment and all individuals who have access
to the secure assessment materials have been made aware that they are not in any manner to alter or cause the
alteration of any examinee response, assessment booklet, or papers used by examinees.

Communicate to students, parents, and the community that which the assessment does and does not measure,
when and how it will be administered, and how the results will be used. Refer to the Handbook for Assessment
Coordinators for a sample Parent Letter.

Notify and ensure that all students and parents/guardians have been provided the policy regarding all electronic
devices (cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, etc.).

Consider having a teacher other than the teacher-of-record administer the assessment to students. If local
circumstances do not allow that option, consider assigning a Proctor to be in the classroom with the TA. (In some
circumstances LEAs have been directed by PDE not to use the teacher-of-record to administer the assessment to
his/her students.)

Inventory secure materials without breaking the shrink wrap (ship-to-district).

Report any items not received.

Distribute tests to SAC(s) (ship-to-district).

During Test Administration – DAC

Monitor testing sites to ensure administration of the assessments in accordance with PDE policies and
procedures.
Appendices

Ensure that sections/modules are started and completed in the same day as per the LEA testing schedule.

Instruct all school staff to minimize distractions, including intercom announcements.

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Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Algebra I

Suspected testing irregularities/security breaches must immediately be reported to the Pennsylvania

Department of Education. For the most rapid response, irregularities and/or allegations should be reported
to PDE via [email protected]. You may also report by phone at 844-418-1651; however, using the
telephone may delay the response.

After Test Administration – DAC

Collect tests from SAC(s) (ship-to-district).

Complete the Materials Accountability Form after inventorying, packaging, and returning the materials to the
vendor.
NOTE: DACs should not open or look into answer booklets or test booklets.

Record the UPS Tracking Number for each package, noting the assessment(s) for which it was used and the
content of each box. Please keep the number(s) for future reference to document the materials returned to DRC.

Sign the Test Security Certification (District Assessment Coordinator). The DAC should sign the Test Security
Certification at the end of each testing window.

Failure to account for and/or return assessment materials constitutes a breach in security, the consequences of
which can be severe, up to and including remuneration should it be determined loss of or misappropriation of
materials has compromised the integrity of test items.

B. SCHOOL ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR AND/OR BUILDING PRINCIPAL TEST SECURITY

GUIDELINES

General Statement: Maintain the security and integrity of all assessment materials, prevent any dishonest or
fraudulent behavior in the administration and handling of the assessment, and promote a fair and equitable
testing environment in order to obtain reliable and valid student scores.

Before Test Administration – SAC

Attend the annual training for SACs provided by the DAC.

Complete the PSTAT training for SACs and for TAs/Proctors annually.

Review DFA’s, the Handbook for Assessment Coordinators, Accommodations Guidelines and Online User Guides (if
testing online).

Develop a building level master test schedule (including make-ups) that falls within PDE established testing
windows for each administration and include it in training. Ensure that the test schedule is developed so that
sections are administered in the sequence in which they are printed in the test booklets.
Appendices

Develop an agenda and train TAs/Proctors and other building level personnel (review the Handbook for
Assessment Coordinators for more information).

Ensure that all individuals involved in the handling of assessment materials and/or the administration of the
assessment receive instruction regarding test security protocols and procedures.

Ensure that all TAs/Proctors receive a copy of the TA/Proctor Test Security Certification.

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Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
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Ensure that all individuals who will administer and/or proctor the assessment complete the Pennsylvania State
Test Administration Training (PSTAT). Translators, interpreters, and scribes must complete the PSTAT training for
TAs/Proctors and must also complete the training offered by the school/district.

Ensure that all individuals involved in the handling and/or administration of the assessment receive instruction
that all assessment materials must remain secure. This includes all assessment booklets and other materials
containing secure assessment questions and student responses that must be kept secure and precisely
accounted for in accordance with the procedures specified in the Handbook for Assessment Coordinators.

Ensure that all TAs/Proctors are instructed on the policy regarding electronic devices (cell phones, smartphones,
smartwatches, cameras, etc.).

Ensure that all individuals who assist in the administration of the assessment and all individuals who have access
to the secure assessment materials are instructed that they are not in any manner to alter or cause the alteration
of any examinee response, assessment booklet, or papers used by examinees.

Create and maintain the PAsecureID list (refer to the Handbook for Assessment Coordinators for specific
instructions).

Ensure all students are scheduled for the appropriate assessment.

Ensure TAs/Proctors understand that each assessment returned will be linked to the TA who administered the
assessment. For paper/pencil assessments, TA initials will be collected on the back page of each answer booklet.
For online testing, teacher (TA) names must be included with each online test session created in eDIRECT. This will
link the TA to the online session prior to test tickets being generated.

Ensure that students testing online have prior experience with the online practice test and tools that model the
testing mode (online).

Maintain a contingency plan for breaks and for disruptions during testing.

Ensure monitoring software or spyware is disabled or removed from computers, iPads, and Chromebooks to be
used for testing.

Ensure all instructional materials that could aid students in answering test items are covered or removed from
classrooms and hallways.

Make sure the testing environment is secure and educationally appropriate.

Know the required accommodations for each student with an IEP or 504 Service Plan and/or for each English
Learner being assessed and communicate this to the appropriate personnel.

Provide the appropriate testing environment for each student requiring an accommodation.

Inventory tests received in “ship to district.” If additional materials are needed, notify DRC. In a “ship to school” the
Appendices

SAC should order additional materials, if needed.

Report any shipping or ordering mistakes immediately to DRC.

Create Test Sessions in eDIRECT (if testing online). Make sure to list the correct TA when creating test sessions in
eDIRECT.

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Put labels on answer booklets (Do not open test booklets while labeling).

Place a “Testing—Do Not Disturb” sign on doors where testing is occurring.

During Test Administration – SAC

Develop and maintain a procedure for distribution and collection of secure test materials to TAs each day utilizing
a sign-out/sign-in process. It is recommended that TAs count the test booklets in the presence of the SAC or his/
her designee.

Ensure that TAs are following proper testing protocols.

Make sure students are supervised at all times during testing and all breaks. This supervision requirement
includes those students who need additional time to complete any test session.

If there is a disruption (e.g., fire alarm, power outage) ensure the safety of students at all times, and take
appropriate precautions concerning the security of the test and answer booklets.

Ensure secure processes and procedures for extended time. Do not allow students to move to an extended time
location without a TA and do not allow students to carry materials to an extended time session/location.

Make sure that sections/modules are started and completed in the same day.

Minimize distractions, including intercom announcements.

Ensure tests are stored in a locked area with controlled and limited access.

Report suspected testing irregularities/security breaches to the DAC. If the DAC is unavailable for an extended
time or has any involvement in the testing irregularity, PDE must be contacted directly. For the most rapid
response, irregularities and/or allegations should be reported to PDE via [email protected]. You may
also report by phone at 844-418-1651; however, using the telephone may delay the response.

After Each Testing Session – SAC

Collect all materials from TAs excluding copies of the DFA.

Account for all test booklets and answer booklets daily. It is recommended that the SAC or his/her designee
count the test booklets in the presence of the TA.

Store testing materials in a locked, secure location.

Destroy scratch/grid paper, rough drafts and any other paper on which students have written.
Appendices

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After Test Administration – SAC

Inventory and return tests to the DAC (ship-to-district) or follow pack and ship procedures to return tests to DRC
(ship-to-school).
NOTE: SACs should not open answer booklets or test booklets or review test items.

In ship-to-school LEAs, SACs should record the UPS Tracking Number for each package, noting the assessment(s)
for which it was used and the content of each box. Maintain the number(s) for future reference to document that
the materials were returned to DRC.

Failure to account for and/or return assessment materials constitutes a breach in security, the consequences of
which can be severe; up to and including remuneration should it be determined loss of or misappropriation of
materials has compromised the integrity of test items.

Sign the Test Security Certification (School Assessment Coordinator and Principal). The SAC should sign the Test
Security Certification at the end of each testing window.

Ensure all TAs, Proctors, Translators, Interpreters, Scribes, and other individuals with access to secure testing
materials sign the Test Security Certification. If someone cannot or does not sign the Test Security Certification,
immediately report that fact to the Department of Education. For the most rapid response, allegations should be
referred to [email protected] or report by phone at 844-418-1651 (using the telephone report may
delay the response).

C. TEST ADMINISTRATOR/PROCTOR TEST SECURITY GUIDELINES

General Statement: Maintain the security and integrity of all assessment materials, prevent any dishonest or
fraudulent behavior in the administration and handling of the assessment, and promote a fair and equitable
testing environment in order to obtain reliable and valid student scores.

Before Test Administration – TA/Proctor

Attend the annual training for TAs/proctors provided by the SAC.

Annually complete the PSTAT.

Review the Directions for Administration Manual for the test to be administered.

Read and understand the Test Security Certification.

Know and understand that each assessment returned will be linked to the TA who administered the assessment.
For paper/pencil assessments, TA initials will be collected on the back page of each answer booklet. For online
testing, teacher (TA) names must be included with each online test session created in eDIRECT. This will link the
TA to the online session prior to test tickets being generated.
Appendices

Remove or cover with opaque materials all classroom instructional materials or any other materials that could aid
students in answering test items.

Make sure the testing environment is secure and educationally appropriate.

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Review the Code of Conduct for Test Takers with students prior to the day of testing and respond to all student
questions.

Review the Calculator Policy and ensure calculators (other than calculators provided within the online testing
engine) meet the requirements of the Calculator Policy.

Know and prepare to appropriately implement the required accommodations for each student with an IEP or 504
Service Plan and for each English Learner being assessed in your room.

Review with students the possible local sanctions the district will enforce for student misconduct (e.g., cheating
and recording test questions).

During Test Administration – TA/Proctor

Collect cell phones, smartphones, and other unauthorized electronic devices as students enter the testing site.

Ensure students are seated for optimal security and at the assigned workstation (online test).

Appropriately implement required accommodations.

During the administration of the mathematics assessment, collect all used scratch/grid paper and any other
paper on which students have written after the non-calculator portion to ensure students have not recorded
non-calculator items on scratch/grid paper.

Actively monitor testing. TAs should take positions with the best vantage points and continually move around
the testing site to ensure students are adhering to the instructions given and are in the correct session. Ascertain
that students are not using inappropriate item elimination strategies or making stray marks in the answer
bubbles. TAs/Proctors must not be engaged in off task activities such as working on electronic devices, talking
with colleagues, or grading student work.

Make sure students are supervised at all times during testing and all breaks. This supervision requirement
includes those students who need additional time to complete any test session.

If there is a disruption (e.g., fire alarm, power outage) ensure the safety of students at all times, and take
appropriate precautions concerning the security of the test and answer booklets.

Collect test materials when students are finished testing rather than keeping them closed on the students’ desks.

Students who finish early may sit quietly, read for pleasure, or read non-content related materials until all
students have finished. Reading for pleasure includes magazines along with fiction text such as novels, short
stories, poetry, etc. Reading anything that may include information related to the content area being assessed is
not allowed. Written work/drawing/coloring of any kind is prohibited to ensure students are not recording secure
test content.

Immediately report suspected testing irregularities/security breaches to the SAC/Building Principal.

Appendices

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After Each Testing Session – TA/Proctor

Return all scratch/grid paper, rough drafts or any other paper on which students have written to the SAC to be
destroyed.

Account for all test booklets and answer booklets daily and return all secure testing materials to the SAC
immediately after the testing session each day. It is recommended that the SAC or his/her designee count the
test booklets in the presence of the TA.

Failure to account for and/or return assessment materials constitutes a breach in security, the consequences of
which can be severe, up to and including remuneration should it be determined loss of or misappropriation of
materials has compromised the integrity of test items.

Clear the memory of calculators before and after each testing session.

After Test Administration – TA/Proctor

Sign the Test Security Certification (Test Administrator/Proctor) and return it to the SAC. The TA/Proctor should sign
the Test Security Certification at the end of each testing window.

D. GENERAL TEST SECURITY GUIDELINES

The assessments rely on the measurement of individual achievement. Any deviation from assessment procedures
is strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of test security.

School administrators, teachers, and any other education personnel who are involved in the assessment program
must maintain the security of all assessment materials at all times.

Because the assessment must remain secure, teachers/TAs should not have assessment materials in their
possession at any time other than during the actual assessment administration.

Before Test Administration

DO NOT:

Teach students a test-taking technique that would require them to bubble more than one response to a test
question and then return and erase all but one response.
Review student test booklets except for purposes as stated in the Directions for Administration Manual and
any of the accommodations guidelines documents. Knowledge or review of test items is not necessary for
valid test administration and is prohibited.
Note: Interpreters may have access to test materials three days prior to test administration to prepare for
accurate interpretation of the test.
Appendices

Reveal any part of copyrighted materials to anyone.

Copy or otherwise reproduce any part of copyrighted materials.
Review and/or provide answers to test items to students. This includes using any of the test items for
instructional purposes.
Possess unauthorized copies of state tests.

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Assist in, direct, aid, counsel, encourage, or fail to report immediately any of the actions prohibited in this
document.

During Test Administration

DO NOT:

Leave students unattended with testing materials or permit any student to leave the testing site with
testing materials for any reason.
Permit students to have unauthorized electronic devices in their possession or accessible to them.
Permit students to look ahead to another section or module of the test before being instructed to do so, or
allow students to look back in a test booklet once a test section or module has been completed.
Discuss, disseminate, or otherwise reveal contents of the test to anyone.
Possess secure test materials at any time other than during the actual administration of the test. TAs should
be given the secure materials immediately prior to the administration of the test, and the materials must be
collected and counted by the SAC immediately after the testing session ends each day.
Coach or provide feedback to students (e.g., answer any questions pertaining to the content of the test,
review rough drafts, or give students feedback of any kind including indicating items students may not have
answered correctly). This prohibition applies to, but is not limited to, Personal Care Aides (PCA), Therapeutic
Support Staff (TSS), or any other one-on-one aide who is assigned to a student.
Define or clarify a word in a test item.
Deviate from any of the read-aloud rules for any portion of the assessments. (The Pennsylvania Read-Aloud
and Scribing Guidelines for Operational Assessments can be found on the PDE website.)
Read aloud any part of the assessments that will cue the correct answer(s) or provide a hint for the test
taker.
Read-aloud the parts of the assessment that are not permitted to be read-aloud.
Return a test booklet to any student after it has been turned in to the TA, unless approval is granted by PDE,
or for the reasons noted in the following sentence. Test booklets will be returned to students for makeup
sessions for absences and for students who go to another testing site for extended time.
Alter, influence, or interfere with a test response in any way; fill in any unanswered item, or instruct the
student to do so.
Assist in, direct, aid, counsel, encourage, or fail to report any of the actions prohibited in this document.
Play music while students are taking the test.
Appendices

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 Keystone
Appendix A: Handbook for Secure Test Administration
Algebra I

After Test Administration

DO NOT:

Discuss, disseminate, or otherwise reveal the contents of the test to anyone.

Keep/save, copy, reproduce, or use any test, test item, specific test content, or examinee responses to
any item or any section of a secure test in any manner inconsistent with the instructions provided by
and through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This includes using any of the test items for
instructional purposes.
Review student responses in the answer booklet.
Read or review test booklets or answer booklets containing the test items.
Alter, influence, or interfere with a test response in any way, fill in any unanswered items, or instruct the
student to do so.
Discuss or provide feedback regarding test items.
Copy or reproduce any portion of the secure test materials or prepare/provide answer keys.
Erase or change student answers.
Make false or misleading statements about assessment results, including inappropriate interpretations,
inaccurate reports, or unsubstantiated claims.
Erase stray marks or darken bubbles or make any alteration to a student’s test.
Assist in, direct, aid, counsel, encourage, or fail to report any of the actions prohibited in this document.

DO:

Immediately report suspected testing irregularities/security breaches. TAs/Proctors should report to the
SAC/Building Principal; SACs should report directly to the DAC. In either case if the appropriate coordinator,
whether SAC or DAC, is unavailable for an extended time or has any involvement in the testing irregularity,
contact PDE directly. For the most rapid response, irregularities and/or allegations should be reported to
PDE at [email protected]. You may also report by phone at 844-418-1651; however, using the
telephone may delay the response.
Sign the Test Security Certification (General). Those involved with testing should sign the Test Security
Certification at the end of each testing window.
Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 34 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone Appendix B: Keystone Exam Test Security Certification
Algebra I Form (Test Administrator and Proctor)

Appendix B:

Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form

(Test Administrator and Proctor)

Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 35 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone Appendix B: Keystone Exam Test Security Certification
Algebra I Form (Test Administrator and Proctor)

Winter 2019–2020 Keystone Exam Test Security Certification Form

(Test Administrator and Proctor)

District:
School:
AUN:
Maintaining the security and integrity of all assessment materials, preventing any dishonest or fraudulent behavior
in the administration and handling of the assessment, and promoting a fair and equitable testing environment are
essential in order to obtain reliable and valid student scores. In that regard, I certify the following:
Prior to the administration of the assessment, I completed the Pennsylvania State Test Administration Training,
and I understand that the assessment materials are secure, confidential, and proprietary documents owned by the
Pennsylvania Department of Education.
I have not reviewed, discussed, disseminated, described, or otherwise revealed the contents of the assessment to
anyone. I have not removed any assessment materials from the school building unless I was specifically authorized
to administer the assessment to a student on homebound instruction. I have not kept, copied, reproduced,
released, or used any assessment, assessment question, specific assessment content, or examinee response to
any item or any section of the secure assessment in any manner that is inconsistent with the instructions provided
by or through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. I have not provided any examinee with an answer to
an assessment question or in any way influenced an examinee’s response to any assessment question. I have not
in any manner altered or caused the alteration of any examinee response, assessment booklet, or papers used by
examinees.
I understand that any breach in assessment security could result in the invalidation of assessment results,
professional discipline, and/or criminal prosecution.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904.

Administrator/Proctor Name Administrator/Proctor Signature Date of Signature

Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 36 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
Appendix C: Algebra I Exam Directions
Algebra I

Appendix C:

Algebra I Exam Directions

Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 37 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
Appendix C: Algebra I Exam Directions
Algebra I

ALGEBRA I EXAM DIRECTIONS

Below are the exam directions available to students in their test booklets. These directions may be used to help
students navigate through the exam.

On the following pages of this test booklet are the Keystone Algebra I Exam questions for Module 1
[or Module 2].

You may use a calculator on this module. When performing operations with π (pi), you may use either
calculator π or the number 3.14 as an approximation of π.

There are two types of questions in each module.

Multiple-Choice Questions

These questions will ask you to select an answer from among four choices.

y First read the question and solve the problem on scratch paper. Then choose the correct
answer.
y Only one of the answers provided is correct.
y If none of the choices matches your answer, go back and check your work for possible errors.
y Record your answer in the Algebra I answer booklet.
y Do not eliminate answers by crossing out bubbles.
y Erase any stray marks in the bubbles.

Constructed-Response Questions

These questions will require you to write your response.

y These questions have more than one part.

y Read the items carefully and respond to exactly what is being asked. You will only be given credit
by responding to what is requested; you will not be given credit for work that is not requested in
the questions.
y You cannot receive the highest score for a constructed-response question without completing
all the tasks in the question.

y All responses must be written in the appropriate location in the Algebra I answer booklet. Some
answers may require graphing, plotting, labeling, drawing, or shading. If you use scratch paper to
write your draft, be sure to transfer your final response to the Algebra I answer booklet.

If you finish early, you may check your work in Module 1 [or Module 2] only.
y Do not look ahead at the questions in Module 2 [or back at the questions in Module 1] of your
exam materials.
Appendices

y After you have checked your work, close your exam materials.

You may refer to this page at any time during this portion of the exam.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 38 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
Appendix D: Code of Conduct for Test Takers
Algebra I

Appendix D:

Code of Conduct for Test Takers

Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 39 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
Appendix D: Code of Conduct for Test Takers
Algebra I

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TEST TAKERS

DO . . .

yy Listen to, read, and follow all directions given.

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

DO NOT . . .

yy Have notes in your possession during the test.

yy Have any unapproved electronic devices (cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, etc.) in your possession
during the test. Note, you may have approved calculators, if applicable, during the test.
yy Share a calculator with others.
yy Use the bubbles in the answer booklet to either eliminate possible incorrect answers or possible correct
answers by making marks in multiple bubbles and erasing. Mark only the bubble for the correct answer(s)
you have chosen.
yy Talk with others about questions on the test during or after the test. (Students should be assured that they
may discuss the testing process or issues of concern with their parents/guardians.)
yy Take notes about the test to share with others.
yy Leave an online test session until the session is complete or until instructed to do so.
yy Use social media to post information about the test and/or test items.
Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 40 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
Appendix E: Pennsylvania Calculator Policy
Algebra I

Appendix E:

Pennsylvania Calculator Policy

Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 41 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone
Appendix E: Pennsylvania Calculator Policy
Algebra I

PENNSYLVANIA CALCULATOR POLICY

If a student chooses to use a calculator (other than the online options) on the Keystone Exams or PSSA in sections
where the calculator is permitted, the student must adhere to the guidelines listed below. It is incumbent upon
the School Assessment Coordinator to ensure that all calculator policies are implemented and followed, including
making sure calculators have no programs or other data stored in their memory other than those that are factory
installed. Please note that if a student wants to restore the deleted programs, the student will need to back up
these programs prior to the assessment. In addition, the memory must be cleared on the calculator prior to and
following each test session of the assessment.
The following are not permitted for the PSSA or Keystone Exams:

yy Devices that have a primary purpose other than functioning as a calculator such as cell phones, smartphones,
smartwatches, PDAs, laptops, tablets, pocket organizers, etc.
yy Calculators with infrared, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other beaming or wireless capabilities, unless the beaming or
wireless capabilities are disabled
yy Calculators with built-in Computer Algebra Systems (CAS)
yy Calculators that make noise, have paper tape, need to be plugged in, or talk; these specific calculators can
only be used as a required accommodation as stated in the Accommodations Guidelines
yy Calculators shared by students during a test session
yy Any and all non-factory (add-on) programs or information stored in the calculator

This calculator policy is intended to be a general description of what is not allowed. It is not meant to be an
exhaustive list of specific calculators, devices, or technologies that must not be used on the PSSA or Keystone
Exams. Please note that as technology changes, this policy may also change.
Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 42 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone Appendix F: Algebra I Constructed Response Scoring
Algebra I Guidelines

Appendix F:

Algebra I Constructed Response

Scoring Guidelines

Appendices

Pennsylvania Department of Education 43 Algebra I Winter 2019–2020 DFA Manual

 Keystone Appendix F: Algebra I Constructed Response Scoring
Algebra I Guidelines

KEYSTONE reference

ALGEBRA I CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE QUESTIONS

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF SCORING GUIDELINES

4 Points
• The response demonstrates a thorough understanding of the mathematical concepts and procedures
required by the task.
• The response provides correct answer(s) with clear and complete mathematical procedures shown
and a correct explanation, as required by the task. Response may contain a minor “blemish” or
omission in work or explanation that does not detract from demonstrating a thorough understanding.

3 Points
• The response demonstrates a general understanding of the mathematical concepts and procedures
required by the task.
• The response and explanation (as required by the task) are mostly complete and correct. The
response may have minor errors or omissions that do not detract from demonstrating a
general understanding.

2 Points
• The response demonstrates a partial understanding of the mathematical concepts and procedures
required by the task.
• The response is somewhat correct with partial understanding of the required mathematical concepts
and/or procedures demonstrated and/or explained. The response may contain some work that is
incomplete or unclear.

1 Point
• The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the mathematical concepts and procedures
required by the task.

0 Points
• The response has no correct answer and insufficient evidence to demonstrate any understanding
of the mathematical concepts and procedures required by the task.
Appendices

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Algebra I

M55093440338001

Winter 2019–2020
Keystone Exams
Algebra I

Directions for Administration Manual

Copyright © 2019 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. All rights reserved. No part of this work may
be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
recording or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the written permission of the Department.