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District updates Program of Studies, adds PIAA officials course, pilots emotional-regulation curricula
Summary
The board approved the 2025–26 Program of Studies updates — including new early-college tracks with Kutztown University, a PIAA officials training course and added Cisco networking certification options — and agreed to pilot two emotional-regulation curricula in special education.
The Schuylkill Valley School District board on April 29 approved updates to the 2025–26 Program of Studies and authorized pilot programming for two emotional-regulation curricula for special education teachers.
Ms. Kreider presented highlights of the Program of Studies for 2025–26, which the board moved forward for approval. Key changes include updates to agricultural course descriptions aligned to Delaware Valley College standards, expansion of early college program tracks with Kutztown University (adding a general studies track in addition to early childhood education), and updates to ninth- and tenth-grade English course descriptions linked to newly implemented ARC (American Reading Company) curriculum.
Kreider also described a new PIAA officials training and certification course added to the program of studies. The course, intended primarily for sophomores, juniors and seniors, is designed to train and certify students to serve as Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) sports officials; the presenter said about 13 students had expressed interest.
The district also added additional Cisco networking certification coursework to support expanded IT pathways, building on work by Mr. Binkley and the technology department. These industry-recognized certifications are intended to support Act 158 career pathways.
Separately, the board authorized an eight-week pilot for two emotional regulation programs — Zones of Regulation (already in limited use) and Everyday Speech (new to the district) — for K–12 special education teachers to test what best supports students’ executive functioning and self-regulation. Staff said the pilot would begin in the next school year, would not cost the district to run for an initial eight-week period, and would require parental permission and professional learning for participating teachers.
Board members praised the breadth of career- and industry-aligned opportunities now offered at the high school — including dual-enrollment, Cisco networking and agricultural pathways — and asked for continued updates as pilots and new course offerings are implemented.
