The Education & Pupil Services Committee of the Upper Darby School District convened on September 24, 2025, to discuss key developments in student assessment and professional development for educators. The meeting focused on the upcoming implementation of assessments and the necessary preparations for teachers and students.

The committee highlighted the need for district-level professional development (PD) related to the upcoming Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and the potential for Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDTs). It was noted that the district would utilize the DRC platform, which is already in use for online assessments, to manage the upload of student and teacher information.

Mr. Lambert and his colleague have initiated preparations for the PSSAs, ensuring that the process will be streamlined for the CDTs if adopted. Mrs. Riches is set to conduct training sessions for teachers in August, focusing on the administration of these assessments. Additionally, she will provide professional development aimed at helping educators analyze test results effectively and apply this data to enhance classroom instruction.

The committee also discussed the importance of updating the assessment components of the curriculum maps. Mrs. Riches will take the lead on this task, which includes communicating with parents and students about the purpose of the assessments and the implications of the results for instructional practices.

In summary, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to preparing educators for effective assessment administration and data utilization, ensuring that both teachers and students are well-informed about the assessment process and its educational significance.