School District Implements Illustrative Mathematics and VOS Science Programs in K-5 Curriculum
September 07, 2025 | Upper Dublin SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The Upper Dublin School District's Education Committee meeting on September 3, 2025, highlighted significant advancements in mathematics and science education, with a focus on improving student outcomes and teacher development.
A key discussion point was the successful implementation of the Illustrative Mathematics program across grades K-12. The district reported overall increases in PSSA scores in mathematics, with the exception of third grade, prompting a targeted review of instructional practices at that level. "We were pretty excited to see that overall we had increases in mathematics," noted a district representative, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and support for teachers.
In addition to mathematics, the district is fully implementing the VOS Science program this year, which was piloted last year at the elementary level. Teachers received professional development to enhance their teaching methods, aiming to engage students more actively in scientific inquiry. "Students who participated in the pilot last year were very excited about learning science," the representative stated, indicating a positive reception among educators and students alike.
The meeting also introduced the I Ready intervention assessment tool, which aims to provide tailored support for students. Teachers have begun training on this tool, which will help identify student needs and set priorities for intervention. "The benchmark is the big part coming up for us," the representative explained, highlighting the tool's dual focus on addressing gaps and extending knowledge for advanced learners.
Professional development remains a priority, with three main goals established: responsive instruction, coherent instruction, and student engagement. The district plans to use data from teacher evaluations to inform these goals and track progress over the next three years. "We hope to be able to meet these goals as they are set," the representative concluded, underscoring the district's commitment to enhancing educational quality.
As the Upper Dublin School District moves forward, the focus on innovative programs and teacher support aims to foster an environment where both students and educators can thrive.
A key discussion point was the successful implementation of the Illustrative Mathematics program across grades K-12. The district reported overall increases in PSSA scores in mathematics, with the exception of third grade, prompting a targeted review of instructional practices at that level. "We were pretty excited to see that overall we had increases in mathematics," noted a district representative, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and support for teachers.
In addition to mathematics, the district is fully implementing the VOS Science program this year, which was piloted last year at the elementary level. Teachers received professional development to enhance their teaching methods, aiming to engage students more actively in scientific inquiry. "Students who participated in the pilot last year were very excited about learning science," the representative stated, indicating a positive reception among educators and students alike.
The meeting also introduced the I Ready intervention assessment tool, which aims to provide tailored support for students. Teachers have begun training on this tool, which will help identify student needs and set priorities for intervention. "The benchmark is the big part coming up for us," the representative explained, highlighting the tool's dual focus on addressing gaps and extending knowledge for advanced learners.
Professional development remains a priority, with three main goals established: responsive instruction, coherent instruction, and student engagement. The district plans to use data from teacher evaluations to inform these goals and track progress over the next three years. "We hope to be able to meet these goals as they are set," the representative concluded, underscoring the district's commitment to enhancing educational quality.
As the Upper Dublin School District moves forward, the focus on innovative programs and teacher support aims to foster an environment where both students and educators can thrive.
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