Act 158 of 2018 amended the Pennsylvania Public School Code establishing five different pathways by which students may meet statewide graduation requirements. All students 21 years of age or younger entitled to attend a PA public school and enrolled in school are subject to Pennsylvania graduation requirements. Special considerations are provided for students in specific situations; however, no students are exempted.
Act 158: Five Pathways to Graduation Summary
- Proficiency Pathway - Earning a minimum scale score of 1500 or better on each of the three required Keystone Exams (Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Exams)
- Composite Pathway - Earning a composite score (4452), including all three Keystone exams that meet state cut score with at least one test being proficient and neither of the other two below basic.
- CTE Concentrator Pathway- Earning an Industry-Based Competency Certification in the CTE program of study.
- Alternative Assessment Pathway- Attainment of an PA established score on an approved alternative assessment. Examples listed below. A full list is available through the link below.
- ACT - Composite score of 21 or higher
- ASVAB - AFQT - Composite score of 31 or higher
- PSAT/NMSQT - Total score of 970 or higher
- SAT - Total Score of 1010 or higher
- AP - Score of 3 or high on an approved Advanced Placement Exam for EACH Keystone exam which the student does not have a score of Proficient or Advanced.
- Evidence-Based Pathway- The student must provide three pieces of evidence under this pathway. A menu of possible pieces of evidence is provided at the link below.
Regardless of the pathway, students must meet locally established grade-based requirements in the related Keystone aligned courses (e.g. "Trigger Course). These would include courses such as Algebra I, English II/10th grade English, and Biology.
LINK: PA Pathways to Graduation Graphic
Pennsylvania Pathways to Graduation
Carlisle High School Administration and School Counseling staff track and monitor student progress toward meeting Act 158 requirements. Student attainment of Act 158 requirements are shared with students and families through PowerSchool portal. Letters and emails are sent to 11th and 12th grade students each fall.