For over a decade,
JUST MATH president and CEO, Melanie A Sittler, MSEd, MBA
Served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.
Melanie is very familiar with Algebra competency exams
And locally,
The Keystone Algebra 1 exam.
What is the Keystone Algebra 1 exam?
Why is the Keystone Algebra 1 exam so important?
To be honest,
The Keystone Algebra 1 exam has a bad reputation
Because many people say that it is political.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSR) was signed
By President Obama on December 10, 2015
Yes,
The Keystone Algebra 1 exam meets the federal accountability criteria
Of The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for the high school level.
However,
If you get past the politics,
And are honest with yourself…
Doesn’t it make sense that a student who is currently taking Algebra 1,
Should be able to pass an Algebra 1 final exam?
But if we get past that…
If I told you that a lot of the content that is on the Keystone Algebra 1 exam,
Also appears on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT,
Would you care about the Keystone Algebra 1 exam a little more?
I hope so,
Because it does.
A lot of the content that is assessed on the Keystone Algebra 1 exam,
Also appears on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT.
Get past the politics.
Focus on the content.
What Should I Study for Keystone Algebra 1 Exam?
The first step in preparing for the Keystone Algebra 1 exam is to obtain a copy of the Keystone Algebra 1 standards, the Keystone Algebra 1 Formula Sheet, and a Texas Instruments Graphing Calculator.
How Should I Study for Keystone Algebra 1 Exam ?
While many scour the internet for Keystone Algebra 1 study guides, Keystone Algebra 1 worksheets, and Keystone Algebra 1 practice tests, it is far more effective and efficient to prepare for the Keystone Algebra 1 exam with a professional who is extremely knowledgeable of the exact testing limits of the exam.
Why?
The goal is to pass the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam as quickly as possible.
Why?
Typically,
Algebra 1 students take the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam in the Spring,
During the school year that he/she is taking Algebra 1.
For example:
If your son/daughter is taking Algebra 1 in the 2024-2025 school year,
He/she will be taking the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam
During the Spring Testing Window (May 12-23, 2025)
However,
Unfortunately,
And for whatever reason....
It is not uncommon for a student to “pass” Algebra 1 Exam,
But
NOT “pass” the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam.
What happens then?
What If I Didn't "Pass" the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam?
Typically,
Students who “pass” Algebra 1,
But DON’T “pass” the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam,
Move to the next math course at his/her school
But...
He/she retakes the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam
During the next Keystone Algebra 1 testing window.
There are Winter, Spring and Summer testing windows.
For Example:
Students who took Algebra 1 during the 2023-2024 school year,
Took the Keystone Algebra 1 exam
Sometime during the May 13-24, 2024 testing window.
Scores were in the school buildings in July.
There was a Summer Testing Window (July 29-August 2, 2024)
If the student's school did NOT
Make the Summer Testing Window (July 29-August 2, 2024)
Available to him/her,
He/she has to wait until the next Keystone Algebra 1 exam testing window.
I suggest that parents contact their son/daughter's school...
And not wait around.
Why?
To see if their son/daughter "passed" the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam as quickly as possible.
Why?
There is a December 4-18, 2024 testing window.
AND
There is a January 6-17, 2025 testing window.
Why Do You Care?
You want to know which of two testing windows your son/daughter's school
Will make available to your son/daughter.
What Happens If Your Son/Daughter Did NOT "pass"
The Keystone Algebra 1 Exam
And
You know which of the two (above) testing windows
Your son/daughter's school is making available to your son/daughter?
Let me know if you want help preparing!
I begin accepting students for Keystone Algebra 1 test preparation as follows:
- For students who are retaking the Keystone Algebra 1 exam
During the December 4-18, 2024 OR January 6-17, 2025 window:
Inquire no later than September 30th.
- For student who are enrolled in Algebra 1 during the 2024-2025 school year:
You will take the exam during the May 12-23, 2025 window.
Inquire no later than January 1st.
Why Should You Inquire In a Timely Manner?
Summer learning loss is real.
Furthermore,
Students forgetting Algebra as they move on to learn Geometry is very real.
The sooner a student passes the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam,
The better.
And that is why I strongly suggest that families NOT scour the internet
For random:
Keystone Algebra 1 study guides,
Keystone Algebra 1 worksheets,
and
Keystone Algebra 1 practice tests.
Instead,
I strongly suggest that families prepare for the Keystone Algebra 1 exam more effectively and efficiently
With a professional who is extremely knowledgeable of the exact testing limits of the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam.
What Keystone Algebra 1 Test Preparation Programs Do You Offer?
Prepare for the Algebra 1 Keystone Exams with Melanie!
It's:
- Private
- 1 on 1
- Build into your schedule
Start preparing for it with Melanie: Keystone Algebra 1 test preparation
When Should My Child/Children Begin Preparing
for the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam?
Yesterday.
*Always have a plan
Go ahead,
Ask around…
It won’t take long for you to find someone,
Who knows someone,
Who “passed” Algebra 1 at school,
But did NOT
Pass the Keystone Algebra 1 exam.
*Which is another story for another day ;)
The Keystone Algebra 1 Exam is not something you want your child/children to cram for.
Remember,
It’s not political.
A lot of the content that is on the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam
Appears on college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT.
Prepare for the Keystone Algebra 1 Exam with Melanie!
Engage with me on Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter!