HARRISBURG — The state Board of Education today approved proposed new tests to measure Pennsylvania students' competence to graduate from high school.

The vote clears the way for months of regulatory review of the proposed Keystone Exams, including scrutiny by the Legislature, where critics still could block the new requirements if they can muster majority support in both houses.

The Keystone Exams, developed after two years of discussion and revision, would replace the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests now given in the 11th grade.

Students would take the exams on specific subjects as they complete their course work throughout their high school years — generally grades nine through 12. The scores would count as at least one-third of their final grade.

Proponents say the Keystones would more effectively measure student progress toward meeting statewide academic standards, reducing district-to-district discrepancies evident under the present system, while allowing local districts to substitute their own tests with state approval.

Students entering seventh grade this year — members of the high-school class of 2015 — would be the first to be covered by these tests.

Under the proposal, Keystone exams in English literature, algebra I and biology would be introduced in 2010-11. From 2011-12 to 2015-16, exams in English composition, algebra II, geometry and U.S. History would be added. Exams for chemistry, civics and world history would complete the list in 2016-17.

To receive a diploma, students would have to pass six of the 10 exams — two in English, two in math and one each in science and social-studies — or demonstrate academic proficiency through one of several alternative methods, including state-approved local tests.