Development
A collaboration of Pennsylvania Department of
Education (PDE), Committees of Pennsylvania Educators, and Data Recognition
Corporation (DRC) developed and continue to enhance and expand the
Classroom Diagnostic Tools.
The CDT is based on content assessed by the
Keystone Exams and the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and is
offered to students in grades 3 through high school. Although it is not a
predictor for PSSA and Keystones, it provides a snapshot on why and how
students may still be struggling or extending beyond the grade and/or course
Eligible Content. The CDT data, along with other data informs instruction in a
timely and efficient manner. It is available for all PA K-12 school in the
classroom throughout the school year on a voluntary basis. Composed of
multiple-choice items, the CDT is designed to provide real-time results,
ensuring valid and reliable measures of student’s skills. The results highlight
student strengths and areas of need thus becoming part of the discussions
between teachers, parents/ guardians, and students to set individual learning goals.