District staff presented a comprehensive plan that aligns the Allentown School District’s multi‑year strategic plan with required Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) continuous improvement work. Presenters said the plan will be submitted to PDE and monitored quarterly at the district level.

Goals and evidence‑based strategies: the district set targets of a 9 percent increase by June 2028 (described as 3 percent growth per year) for: third‑grade literacy proficiency, Algebra I (9th grade) proficiency, graduation rate, and the share of students attending at least 90 percent of school days. Staff explained these goals are tied to evidence‑based approaches already in the strategic plan: structured literacy and the science of reading for ELA; mathematical fluency and conceptual understanding for math; targeted interventions, instructional rounds and DataWise data cycles; and a multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS).

Professional development and induction: the presentation included a professional development plan focused on implementing the evidence‑based strategies (including AI support for educators), a new educator induction plan with data‑driven mentor selection and monthly supports, and expanded professional learning for special education and gifted instruction.

State partnership and technical assistance: staff said PDE has provided technical assistance for the district’s designated schools and offered to fund training opportunities; the district expects three staff to attend a Harvard system‑leadership training in May with PDE support.

Monitoring and next steps: the district plans quarterly monitoring at the district level and school‑level implementation checks. Staff asked the board to move the comprehensive plan, plus required supplemental plans and assurances (professional development, new educator induction, gifted and student services assurances), to the regular board meeting for submission to PDE; the committee voted to advance the plan.

Internships: the committee also forwarded two internship agreements — one with Kutztown University for counselor interns and another with Lehigh University for counselors, school psychologists and other practicum students — which staff said strengthen the pipeline for future hires and provide onsite supervisory support.