Schweiker Administration Commends State Board Vote on PSSA
Schools to recognize students for advanced and proficient achievement, place scores on student transcripts

On behalf of Gov. Mark Schweiker, Education Secretary Charles B. Zogby commended the Pennsylvania State Board of Education's decision to require school districts to recognize students who achieve advanced or proficient scores on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) in 10th, 11th or 12th grade and to place all student scores on transcripts.

"We want every child to meet Pennsylvania's rigorous academic standards," Secretary Zogby said. "Because then we'll know they're getting the quality education they'll need to succeed after they leave school. Today, the State Board gave Pennsylvania schools a great way to reward achievement - and to encourage more good results!"

Starting in 2003, students scoring proficient or better in every subject area on the PSSA will be eligible to receive a special certificate. Beginning in 2004, school districts must place individual student scores on the student's transcript. Local school districts will continue to set graduation requirements.

The state House and Senate Education Committees, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the state Attorney General now must review the regulations.