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District presents 2023–24 assessment review; SAT, AP, and building scores generally above state averages
Summary
District staff presented 2023–24 PSSA/Keystone results, a pilot of the Firefly benchmark assessment, AP and SAT outcomes, and noted building-level gains; staff highlighted changes to science standards and online testing rollout.
Boyertown Area School District instructional leaders presented the district’s 2023–24 assessment results and early indicators for the current year, reporting that most grades and buildings performed at or above Pennsylvania averages on state tests and that the district saw gains in several buildings.
Stephanie Landis, director of teaching and learning, led the presentation with curriculum supervisors Jennifer Joyce (K–8) and Rochelle Towne (6–12). They summarized PA Future Ready Index building scores, PSSA proficiency and growth measures, Keystone results, SAT and AP performance, and new state assessment changes affecting science and test formats.
Highlights presented by staff included: - Most district grades and buildings scored at or above state averages in ELA, math and science proficiency categories for 2023–24, with some exceptions at specific grade levels and schools. - Coalbrookdale Elementary showed the largest building-score increase in the district (+8.4 points) and was cited as the building with the most growth from the prior year. - Keystone results (reported for the 11th-grade cohort) were above state averages across algebra, biology and literature; algebra participation in the cohort was lower because a larger number of students had opted out during the pandemic years, which affected cohort sample size and proficiency percentages. - Firefly, the state’s new free benchmark assessment, was piloted in select classrooms. Jennifer Joyce reported that Firefly focuses on grade-level standards and offers technology-enhanced item types; staff used the pilot to obtain student and teacher feedback and to inform rollout planning. - On college-readiness measures, district SAT mean scores exceeded both Pennsylvania and national averages. AP participation and performance showed improvement: staff reported that 74% of AP exam takers scored a 3 or higher, and nearly all students enrolled in AP courses sat the exams (581 exams taken out of 586 course enrollments reported for the year cited). - The district earned College Board AP Honor Roll bronze designation and an ACCESS distinction for AP access; staff said Title I and Title IV funds help cover AP exam fees and dual-enrollment costs for low-income students.
Staff also noted upcoming changes: Pennsylvania will shift state assessments online and roll out new science standards; the 5th grade will take the PSSA science this year as part of that standards transition. District staff said the new formats and question types (drag-and-drop, interactive items) require teacher and student practice; the Firefly pilot helped familiarize students with technology-enhanced items.
Superintendent Stout and trustees praised building-level gains and staff work. The presentation did not propose an immediate policy change but indicated staff will continue to recommend curriculum and resource adjustments (elementary science materials were still under review) and return with recommendations as needed.
Why it matters: Test results drive curriculum, evaluation and resource choices. Board members said they will use the data to guide action plans, staffing, and instructional investments.
