(WHTM) – Pennsylvania’s standardized tests, such as the Keystone Exams and PSSAs, are going digital starting in 2026.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced the change on Thursday, saying “less testing means more learning.”

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“What we really want is teachers and students to collaborate on learning, that’s the environment we want to create,” said Shapiro.

Shapiro says 32% of Pennsylvania schools are already providing assessments online. That means no more No. 2 pencils or test booklets.

“We are spending too much time on these fill in bubble sheets,” said State Education Secretary Khalid Mumin.

Shapiro and Mumin say moving standardized testing online will save up to two hours per school year, giving learners more opportunities in the classroom.

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“Online testing also means students who need accommodations on tests can get the help they need without being called out in front of their peers,” said Shapiro.

Officials say this won’t be a big leap for students, as many are already learning online.

“Online assessments actually do a better job of matching how they learn,” said Shapiro. “These are gonna be questions students can answer with things like drag and drop, and sorting and ranking answers.”

There are concerns for rural and underfunded schools that may lack the technology. The Governor says that won’t be an issue.

“No student is going to be inhibited by this process or held back by this process if they don’t have the resources in their home or in their district.”

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