Pennsylvania
State Standards Analysis & Recommendations for Improvement
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Readiness standards are published and promoted and describe the competencies students need to learn and possess for entry into and success in college and the workforce. They may or may not be assessed by the state but exist as guidance for educators and expectations for students.
Yes
Does the state define college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s definition of college and/or career readiness is “Pennsylvania learners will be prepared for meaningful engagement in postsecondary education, in workforce training, in career pathways, and as responsible, involved citizens.”
Yes
Does the state have career readiness standards?
Yes, the state’s career-readiness standards are available here.
Yes
Does the state report metrics related to college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s reported metrics related to college and/or career readiness include:
- NAEP scores
- Student enrollment in AP, IB, or college-credit coursework in each of the four core academic areas
- Percent competent or advanced on industry standards-based competency assessments
Yes
Are students expected to demonstrate readiness for college and/or career upon graduation?
Yes, students are expected to demonstrate college and/or career readiness through:
- Advanced Coursework Enrollment
- Postsecondary Assessment (SAT/ACT/Other)
- CTE Participation (CTE, WBL, Credential, Apprenticeship, Other)
- Postsecondary Enrollment
Yes
Are Durable Skills reflected in career readiness standards?
Yes, the following Durable Skills are reflected in the state’s career-readiness standards:
- Character
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Fortitude
- Growth Mindset
- Leadership
- Metacognition
- Mindfulness
Yes
Does the state publish career readiness/employability skills standards?
Yes, the state’s career-readiness/employability skills are available here.
Yes
Does the state define WBL?
Yes, the state’s definition for work-based learning is available here.
Yes
Does the state report on WBL participation and outcomes?
Yes, Pennsylvania’s tracks the completion of WBL experiences but not outcomes.
No
Does the state use WBL participation as a program quality indicator for Perkins V federal funding?
Yes
Does the state provide guidance related to career/employability skills?
Yes, the state’s guidance related to career/employability skills can be found here.
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL)
Work-based learning describes comprehensive guidance, expectations for educators and employers, and quality indicators for assessment.
DURABLE SKILLS ALIGNED WITH READINESS GUIDANCE
GRADUATE PROFILE
A graduate profile includes the competencies and skills a student possesses when they graduate from high school. They showcase student learning outcomes and present a full picture of a student’s abilities.
Yes
Does the state include career/workforce readiness in its graduation requirements?
Yes. Beginning with the Class of 2023, Pennsylvania is offering students with additional diploma pathways. One option is a CTE pathway where students must be in a CTE concentrator program of study and either a. obtain an industry-recognized certification OR b. demonstrate “readiness for continued meaningful engagement” in program of study. Students demonstrate they’ve met these requirements via coursework, credential earned, assessment, and competency.
No
Does the state outline a robust set of graduation requirements?
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