Spring-Ford presents 2025–28 comprehensive plan, emphasizes MTSS, targeted instruction and SEL

Tonight, I am pleased to present to you the proposed comprehensive plan for the 2025 to 2028 school year, Dr. Kelly Murray, assistant superintendent of teaching, learning and innovation, told the Spring-Ford Area School District board on Feb. 18.

The plan centers on four priorities: (1) target instructional practices to raise overall math and ELA achievement; (2) focus interventions on students defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as "historically underperforming" to narrow performance gaps; (3) implement a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) with fidelity across academic, social-emotional and behavioral domains; and (4) ensure 80% of students receiving interventions demonstrate positive growth.

Murray told the board the district followed a multi-step, stakeholder-driven process that began in fall 2024. Committees included a 26-member steering committee and a 25-member professional development task force; about 90 stakeholders completed an interest form. Drafts were posted Jan. 28 for the required 28-day public review, and the district plans to seek board approval next week ahead of a March 31 final submission deadline to PDE.

Key elements and supports Murray said the district—s approach shifts attention from test scores alone to the instructional practices that produce growth. The proposal cites the Spring-Ford…