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Berwick Area School District presents state assessment update; district cites literacy work and math challenges in grades 5–7
Summary
District staff presented state assessment results, noting literacy initiatives, a pilot for grades 6–8 and persistent low proficiency in mathematics for grades 5–7. Biology and some science indicators showed improvement.
District staff presented an update on state assessment results to the Berwick Area School District board during the Oct. 6, 2025 meeting, outlining current proficiency levels and steps the district is taking to support student growth.
The presenter said the district was discussing proficiency indicators only and that growth measures (PBOS) were not yet available in the system. On English language arts, the presenter said the results “continue to show us that consistency and early literacy matter.” The district is piloting a new literacy resource for grades 6–8 and plans a fifth‑grade pilot during the school year; it has adopted a core literacy resource (uFLY) for grades K–4.
“Math continues to be a challenge for us, in particular, for our grades 5 through 7, where our proficiency remains well below 40%,” the presenter said. The district plans renewed focus on fact fluency in elementary grades and has implemented flex periods at the middle school for targeted supports and enrichment. The presenter also said “Doctor Vandel has been gracious enough to offer some special incentives for elementary students who demonstrate math [fact] fluency.”
On keystone subjects, the presenter said biology scores have climbed above 50%, a trend the district described as positive, while algebra “remains our most challenging keystone subject” despite some gains. The district said it is strengthening instructional core practices at all levels by updating curriculum maps, pacing guides and daily schedules and by expanding project‑ and problem‑based learning programs and STEM initiatives.
The presenter told the board the district would continue to monitor progress through growth indicators in PGAS and emphasized that current scores point to areas for growth but also to work already underway to address them.
Ending: The presentation concluded without a formal action tied to the assessment report. Board members and the public may review updates at future board meetings; the next scheduled board meeting is Oct. 13, 2025, according to the meeting’s administrative report.
