Youngblood gives Keystone Exams 'F' grade

Last week I joined state Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks, in introducing a resolution that would prohibit the state Department of Education from further implementing the Keystone Exams. House Resolution 456 has overwhelming support, currently co-sponsored by 143 members, which is more than two thirds of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

House Resolution 456 calls on Gov. Ed Rendell to cease any further implementation and funding for the Keystone Exams -- 10 high school exams of which students would have to pass a majority in order to graduate.

Although the General Assembly established a moratorium with Act 61 of July 4, 2009, the Department continued to move forward with its agenda. Data Recognition Corp. was awarded a $201.1 million contract for the Keystone Exams and in the past month the department has taken several actions in regards to this contract.

On June 30, 2009, the department issued a $7.97 million purchase order for Keystone Exams. On Aug. 7, 2009, they committed a $5.8 million payment towards this purchase order.

On Aug. 28, 2009, the department requested a waiver under Act 146 of 1980 and Management Directive 310.3 to carry over remaining funds from FY 2008-09, PA Assessment $6.86 million, into FY2009-10.

I am appalled that the department continues to move forward without regulation, legislation or specific appropriation under a contract and purchase order that were signed during a moratorium.

Pennsylvania is facing a substantial deficit and the state budget is now 78 days past due. It is anything but fiscally responsible for the department to commit $5.8 million and request to keep $6.8 million all for the advancement of an unwanted policy agenda.

Over 80 percent of the public opposes the Keystone Exams, along with the NAACP, Learning Disabilities Association, Association of Career and Technical Administrators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and over 200 School Boards of Directors.

Our children are being used to promote a testing scheme, which they will ultimately suffer from. The proponents of the Keystone Exams have touted accountability as their reasoning. The General Assembly supports accountability done the right way, which ensures quality education for our children.

There is no excuse for the actions that have been taken to force the implementation and funding of this proposal. We request the governor’s immediate support to hold the Keystone Exams proponents accountable for their proceedings against the will of the people and the constitution.

State Rep. Rosita C. Youngblood

198^th Legislative District