School district plans FOSS program for K-5 students with $500K budget

The Upper Dublin School District Education Committee meeting on March 5, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students. A significant topic of discussion was the upcoming evaluation of the FOSS program, which is set to take place in May. If the pilot program is deemed successful, the committee plans to recommend its adoption for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with an estimated implementation cost of $500,000 over multiple years.

In addition to the FOSS program, the committee highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the math curriculum through the concept of "building thinking classrooms." Learning walks have been conducted at both elementary and secondary levels, involving administrators, supervisors, teachers, and teacher leaders. These walks aim to gather feedback and data on classroom practices, with a rubric being developed for more concrete assessments.

Professional development remains a priority, with the University of Delaware actively participating in learning walks and providing training for building leaders. This collaboration is intended to foster a shift towards instructional leadership within the district. Observations from math classrooms indicate a vibrant learning environment, with students engaging in hands-on activities and discussions, reflecting a positive trend in student participation and thinking.

Lastly, the committee reported on the progress of the English Language Arts curriculum renewal, which involves K-12 staff meetings. These meetings have facilitated valuable conversations among educators at various grade levels and across the district, promoting collaboration and shared insights.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational programs and fostering a collaborative environment among educators. The next steps will include the evaluation of the FOSS program and continued monitoring of the math curriculum implementation.