The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Pennsylvania House Bill 381 directs study on replacing Keystone Exams with ACT and SAT
Last action · January 28, 2025: Referred to EDUCATION, Jan. 28, 2025Sponsors: Jason Ortitay and 6 others
Track this bill to get notified when it advances a stage. One tap to stop, anytime.
What This Bill Would Do
Pennsylvania requires the of Education to contract for an independent feasibility study determining whether the ACT and SAT can replace standard s in literature, algebra I, and biology. The resulting report must be submitted to the Governor and legislative education committees within one year of the effective date.
Changes how high school testing standards might be evaluated by examining whether national college-readiness exams can legally substitute for state-mandated assessments without violating federal requirements.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
high school students
Their required state assessments for graduation or accountability may change if alternative exams are approved.
students with disabilities and English learners
The study will specifically evaluate whether testing accommodations for these groups are comparable under the ACT and SAT.
Key Facts
- The Secretary of Education must contract for an independent study assessing whether the ACT and SAT can replace Keystone Exams in literature, algebra I, and biology.
- The study must evaluate alignment with Pennsylvania core academic standards, data comparability, testing accommodations for students with disabilities and English learners, and technical quality under federal peer review criteria.
- A report containing the study results and recommendations must be submitted to the Governor and legislative education committees within one year of the act taking effect.
- The measure takes effect immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does House Bill 381 require?
When is the study report due?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
Follow the record
Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Jan 28, 2025HouseCommitteeReferred to EDUCATION, Jan. 28, 2025
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
www.palegis.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz25Current news / social attention level
Publisher tools