Sandy Frisch highlights high school MTSS successes and future plans in district presentation

The May 5, 2025, meeting of the Quakertown Community School District's Education and Policy Committee focused on the successes and future plans of the high school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) program. Sandy Frisch presented an overview of the program's impact on student behavior, attendance, and academic performance.

Frisch reported that 437 students are currently engaged in various interventions aimed at improving behavior and attendance. Notably, the district has seen a 46% reduction in Office Discipline Referrals (ODRs) from the 2022-2023 school year to the 2023-2024 school year, with an additional 16% reduction anticipated for the current year. These improvements have contributed to a higher number of seniors becoming eligible for graduation, with ongoing efforts to enhance their academic pathways.

The presentation highlighted the unique implementation of MTSS at the high school level, with Quakertown being one of only a few schools in the county successfully utilizing this system. Frisch noted that the district has been invited to present its experiences at various educational conferences, showcasing both the successes and challenges faced in establishing the MTSS framework.

Looking ahead, the committee discussed four key areas for continued growth: expanding data teams to include more teachers, enhancing intervention offerings in collaboration with other schools, increasing family engagement through open houses and meetings, and refining the alignment of educational practices from grades 6 to 12. The integration of student feedback into these processes was emphasized as a vital component of future planning.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the progress made, particularly in reducing disciplinary issues, which allows educators to focus more on teaching. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing improvement and collaboration among staff, students, and families to support student success.