What is the primary purpose of the Pennsylvania End-of-Course Knowledge (PECK) exam?

The primary purpose of the Pennsylvania End-of-Course Knowledge (PECK) exam is to assess students' mastery of specific subject areas. This exam is designed to evaluate whether students have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in subjects such as math, science, English language arts, and social studies at various grade levels. By measuring student performance against predetermined educational standards, the PECK exam helps ensure that students are meeting learning objectives and are prepared for subsequent educational challenges.

Assessing students’ mastery is crucial as it provides valuable data on student learning and understanding, which can inform instructional practices and curricular decisions. The results can also guide educators in identifying areas where students may need additional support. This emphasis on student learning and achievement is a fundamental aspect of educational accountability and improvement initiatives.