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Westford Academy approves school improvement plan and handbook updates; leaders outline UDL, AI and scheduling work
Summary
Westford Academy's administration presented and the committee approved the WA school improvement plan (SIP) and handbook changes that emphasize Universal Design for Learning, AI guidance for academic integrity and future work on program of studies and scheduling.
Westford Academy administrators presented the 2025‑26 school improvement plan and proposed handbook edits to the School Committee on May 27; the committee approved both.
The academy's principal and administrative team described a SIP closely aligned with district strategic goals and focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), expanded professional development, restorative practices, and programming that supports student engagement and social‑emotional learning. The principal said the school will infuse UDL strategies into curriculum documents ahead of a future New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation visit.
Handbook changes: WA administrators reported adding language on academic integrity and artificial intelligence (AI) usage adapted from other district materials, clarifying assessment and final‑exam makeup protocols (including documentation and grading timelines for exams missed during the exam period), and updating contact lists and translation accessibility. Administrators also described ongoing work around program‑of‑studies revisions and asked the committee to expect more scheduling and course‑weighting conversations.
Operations and student supports: Presenters highlighted progress on unified sports and special‑education supports (ROOTS program), improved student center staffing, collaborative problem‑solving training and restorative practices training for staff, and facilities improvements including LED lighting and gardens used in cafeteria programming.
Vote: The committee voted to approve the Westford Academy SIP and to adopt the WA handbook edits as presented; committee members praised the plan and asked staff to continue updates on course scheduling, grading portals and program access.
