when: Hempfield Education and Programs and Policy, Human Resources and Legal Affairs Committee Meeting, February 15th.
what happened: Elementary school students who participated in pilot programs for two English language arts curricula, Wit and Wisdom and Savvas, performed better overall on standardized tests than students taught using the current Hempfield English language arts curriculum. There wasn't, Doug Dandridge and assistant superintendent told school board members during a data presentation about the pilot program. Moreover, according to the presentation, the administrator was unable to draw any conclusions about the two programs based on the evaluation data.
background: The district first piloted the program in the 2022-23 school year. The board voted in May to extend the pilot for another year to gather more detailed data so more informed decisions can be made about which curriculum to use permanently. did.
data: Students who participated in the two programs demonstrated growth over the past school year based on data from the Pennsylvania School Evaluation System, Academic Performance, and Accurate Path. Acadience is a screening and progress monitoring assessment that measures students' acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through sixth grade. The Exact Path assessment is a test that measures skill readiness and academic growth in language arts. According to the academia data, Savvas had better results early on, but Wit and Wisdom had better results overall.
detail: In the first year, 42 teachers piloted the two programs, compared to 97 this year. Students who used Wit and Wisdom and Savvas scored only slightly higher than students who used the district curriculum. In fifth grade, scores decreased regardless of program.
For more information: Board members Justin Wohlgemuth and Megan Eshleman expressed the possibility of piloting the program for an extended period of time to gather more quantitative data. The board also discussed the idea of ​​looking at data from districts that have been using the curriculum for several years to make more informed decisions.
Next steps: The board hopes to make a final decision on which programs will be implemented by June 30th. Additionally, the district plans to survey students, parents, elementary school teachers, special education staff, reading specialists, and substitutes. The building director will also share recommendations. The district plans to discuss the results of the pilot with both companies, including final costs and training plans for next year. The board is scheduled to share financial projections on March 21st.
Vape: Hempfield High School Principal William Brossman gave a presentation on what the school is doing to reduce the impact of vaping and asked for advice on how to provide more effective support.
update information: Brosman said staff found students vaping in many areas of the school. When I asked him how this was possible, he said e-cigarettes have little odor, the devices are small and unobtrusive, and it would be easy to hide the act.
more: The high school has received reports from students and teachers, walking up to children in the act, finding stalls in restrooms or multiple students huddled together, finding dropped items, and placing e-cigarettes in some areas to identify trends. Electronic cigarette users are detected through reports such as installing detectors. VAPE detectors act as air quality monitors, similar to smoke detectors. Brossman said students are flushing e-cigarettes down the toilet, causing plumbing problems. One her vape cartridge can hold up to 2-3 packs of cigarettes or nicotine.
result: If a student is caught vaping, consequences may include suspension, completion of a nicotine cessation program, or referral to a student assistance program. Students found in possession of THC vapes will be immediately referred to the school resource officer for further action, including summary violations and misdemeanor charges.
Next steps: The board discussed updating its e-cigarette policy and discussing the issue with local authorities. The Board will continue to discuss this matter at a future meeting.
New course: Kathleen Daisley, Supervisor of Secondary Education Curriculum, and Mark Ashley, Head of Department and Health and Physical Education Teacher, explained the new Unified Physical Education course that will be offered to Year 11 and 12 students.
more: This course fulfills the 11th grade Physical Education requirement and is an elective for 11th and 12th grades. This course will follow the concept of unified sports (track and bocce), combining general education and special education students.
cost: The estimated cost for this program is $701.40, including curriculum development.
Next steps: The district plans to begin offering the course during the 2025-26 school year. Curriculum creation will begin this summer.
What's next: The board will hold a building and grounds and finance committee meeting on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m.