The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) is Pennsylvania's statewide standards-based assessment that measures student achievement in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. The assessments are aligned with the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and provide valuable information about student learning, academic progress, and school performance.
PSSA results help the District evaluate the effectiveness of its curriculum, instruction, and academic programs while identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. The District encourages parents and guardians to discuss the importance of these assessments with their children and encourage them to do their best on each assessment.
2026–2027 Testing Windows
April 26–30, 2027 (Grades 3–8)
May 3–7, 2027 (Grades 3–8)
May 3–7, 2027 (Grades 5 & 8)
May 3–7, 2027
Parent Information
Test Day Information
State-Mandated, Opt-Out Process
Under Pennsylvania law, parents/guardians may request that their child be excused from taking the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and the Pennsylvania Alternative System of Assessment (PASA) if the assessment conflicts with their family's sincerely held religious beliefs. The Pennsylvania Department of Education does not provide a general "opt-out" from statewide assessments for non-religious reasons. Students who do not participate for reasons other than an approved religious exemption are reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a refusal for accountability purposes.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has established the following process for requesting a religious exemption from the PSSA and PASA:
Schedule a Review of the Assessment
- Parents/guardians who believe the assessment may conflict with their religious beliefs must schedule an appointment to review the assessment.
- Parents/guardians of students in grades 3–5 should contact the Bear Creek School Office.
- Parents/guardians of students in grades 6–8 should contact the Middle School Counseling Office.
Review the Assessment
- The assessment must be reviewed on District property.
- A District employee must be present throughout the review.
- Parents/guardians must sign the Pennsylvania Department of Education Parent Confidentiality Agreement before reviewing the assessment.
- No portion of the assessment may be copied, photographed, recorded, or reproduced in any manner.
Submit a Written Request
- If, after reviewing the assessment, parents/guardians determine that it conflicts with their sincerely held religious beliefs, they must submit a written request to the Superintendent describing the religious objection and requesting that their child be excused from the assessment.
Alternative Educational Activities
- Students who are granted a religious exemption will be provided with an alternative learning environment during the administration of the assessment.
An approved religious exemption does not negatively impact the individual student. However, participation rates are one component of Pennsylvania's statewide accountability system, and approved exemptions may affect the school's overall participation rate.
Questions/Concerns
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the state assessment system, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school principal.
Additional Resources
