PSSA Scores Explained:
Cut Scores & Levels

The PSSA has no pass or fail, but Pennsylvania counts Proficient and Advanced as meeting the standard. In ELA and math, Proficient starts at a scale score of 1000 in every grade from 3 to 8. Advanced starts between 1107 and 1143 in ELA and between 1105 and 1113 in math, depending on the grade.

PDE's testing contractor, DRC, says official statewide PSSA and Keystone results for 2026 are "on hold pending further review", with more information to come. PDE gave districts preliminary school data earlier, and individual student scores go to each school, so ask your child's school for the report. Science results come later than usual this year, no later than December 2026. Last year's statewide results were released on November 13, 2025.

PDE provides individual student scores only to the student's school, not directly to families, so the report comes from your school or district. Some districts also post it in their own parent portal.

Yes: 1000 is exactly the Proficient score in ELA and math for every grade 3 to 8, so a 1000 means your child met Pennsylvania's standard. Advanced starts higher, around 1105 to 1143 depending on the grade and subject.

Pennsylvania adopted new science standards (STEELS). Science scores for spring 2025 were waived, and spring 2026 brought the first STEELS-aligned science PSSA in grades 5 and 8. It needs new cut scores, set through a standard-setting process, which is why science results are expected later, no later than December 2026.

No. PDE's guide says each subject has its own scale, so a 1050 in math and a 1050 in ELA do not mean the same thing. Compare the performance levels instead.

The report shows a Standard Error of Measure band: the range your child would probably score in on a different version of the same test. It also shows the lowest and highest possible scores. PDE says the minimum stays the same each year, while the maximum can change with the test's difficulty.

Firefly is the free online benchmark test Pennsylvania offers schools during the year. PDE says it is aligned to Pennsylvania standards, so schools use it to check progress before the spring PSSA. It is not a replacement for the PSSA.

Start with the reporting categories on the score report: they show which broad areas were weakest. Then find the exact skills inside them. A full practice test built like the PSSA, such as iMasterly's, scores your child in each reporting category and explains every question, so you can practice the skills that cost points. Your child's teacher can also tell you what extra support the school offers.