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North Hills to continue math task force; district to use Firefly diagnostic and expand tutoring
Summary
Dr. Williams reported the district will continue its math task force next year, expand tutoring access at the high school, keep TCI for social studies and adopt the state's Firefly diagnostic as a predictive assessment tool aligned to PSSAs and the Algebra I Keystone.
Dr. Williams presented curriculum and assessment updates to the North Hills School District Board of Education on May 15, saying the district will not adopt the K–6 social studies pilot material from SABAS and will remain under contract with TCI for 2025–26 while reviewing TCI’s updated materials.
On math, Dr. Williams said parent and student surveys highlighted a need to expand high school tutoring and provide clearer communication about topics and resources. "Math tutoring at the high school is a must every single period," she said, describing parent requests to restore daily tutoring availability.
The district plans an "intensive data review" next year, Dr. Williams said, using benchmark and diagnostic assessments. She said the state’s Firefly pilot — aligned to the PSSAs and the Algebra I Keystone — will be available as a predictive tool that can be administered multiple times and give teachers standard‑level diagnostics.
Dr. Williams also noted that middle and elementary schools completed the science PSSA online this year and that students reported less fatigue with the digital format. She said the district will compile math resources on a Google site and link it to the district website to help parents support students.
No curriculum adoptions or policy changes were approved at the meeting; the presentation outlined next steps for the task force and assessment planning.
