Bethel Park SD presents mixed 2024–25 assessment results; board to continue curriculum pilots and benchmark testing
November 19, 2025 | Bethel Park SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Bethel Park School District administrators on presented the district’s 2024–25 assessment outcomes and proposed next steps, saying results show a mix of gains and setbacks across grade levels and content areas.
"67% of the test takers passed the PSSA ELA exam," Mrs. Wells said as she summarized the district’s PSSA results and noted an overall 8 percentage-point drop in ELA proficiency in 2024–25. Administrators also reported math proficiency at 64% overall for PSSA test takers.
The presentation covered Keystone end-of-course exams at the high school level: "Overall, the administration of last year's test, it was 42% for algebra, 75% for literature, 60% for biology," a presenter reported, and explained the Future Ready PA Index uses the 11th‑grade cohort and students’ best module scores to compute the district composite.
Board members questioned whether statewide proficiency bars are appropriate for grade-level expectations. "I'm beginning to question that it's an appropriate test and we're measuring the right things," an administrator told the board, arguing that some targets may be set too early in students’ academic progression.
Administrators highlighted areas of sustained growth: the district cited roughly 31% growth in science over four years and 24% growth in mathematics over five years for measured cohorts, and reported improved performance among students with individualized education programs on some assessments. They also described expanded Advanced Placement access and maintained AP success rates at the high school, noting an increase in AP course offerings and several classes with high rates of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams.
Presenters addressed how different assessment models can invert apparent performance. District staff explained the Pennsylvania Value‑Added Assessment System (PVAAS) and a newer predictive growth methodology, observing that predictive indicators compare students’ results to algorithmic expectations rather than absolute proficiency; board members raised concerns that the predictive model sometimes shows below‑expected growth for cohorts whose raw scores appear high.
On assessment tools and local supports, administrators proposed continuing the k–5 CKLA reading program rollout and carrying out K–8 math curriculum pilots (two pilot curricula in fall, two in spring), with teachers reporting back to the board in April for consideration of a new math curriculum. The district also plans to expand the Firefly benchmark pilot (a benchmark tied to PSSA and Keystone content) this year to provide midyear actionable data for teachers.
District leaders noted some data remain pending: the School Performance Profile (SPP) number used in evaluation calculations had not been released and will be shared once available. Administrators also summarized scholarship totals and recognition (local scholarships of $106,750 and national merit honorees) and reiterated that vocational and alternative pathways (Steel Center results, ASVAB outcomes) continue to provide routes to graduation and career readiness.
The meeting moved to questions and a short public comment period, during which a local resident reflected on historical continuity of education debates. The board then voted to enter an executive session and adjourned the public meeting.
Next steps: the administration will return with findings from the K–8 math pilots and the Firefly benchmark reports for board review and consideration of a new math curriculum in the spring.
"67% of the test takers passed the PSSA ELA exam," Mrs. Wells said as she summarized the district’s PSSA results and noted an overall 8 percentage-point drop in ELA proficiency in 2024–25. Administrators also reported math proficiency at 64% overall for PSSA test takers.
The presentation covered Keystone end-of-course exams at the high school level: "Overall, the administration of last year's test, it was 42% for algebra, 75% for literature, 60% for biology," a presenter reported, and explained the Future Ready PA Index uses the 11th‑grade cohort and students’ best module scores to compute the district composite.
Board members questioned whether statewide proficiency bars are appropriate for grade-level expectations. "I'm beginning to question that it's an appropriate test and we're measuring the right things," an administrator told the board, arguing that some targets may be set too early in students’ academic progression.
Administrators highlighted areas of sustained growth: the district cited roughly 31% growth in science over four years and 24% growth in mathematics over five years for measured cohorts, and reported improved performance among students with individualized education programs on some assessments. They also described expanded Advanced Placement access and maintained AP success rates at the high school, noting an increase in AP course offerings and several classes with high rates of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams.
Presenters addressed how different assessment models can invert apparent performance. District staff explained the Pennsylvania Value‑Added Assessment System (PVAAS) and a newer predictive growth methodology, observing that predictive indicators compare students’ results to algorithmic expectations rather than absolute proficiency; board members raised concerns that the predictive model sometimes shows below‑expected growth for cohorts whose raw scores appear high.
On assessment tools and local supports, administrators proposed continuing the k–5 CKLA reading program rollout and carrying out K–8 math curriculum pilots (two pilot curricula in fall, two in spring), with teachers reporting back to the board in April for consideration of a new math curriculum. The district also plans to expand the Firefly benchmark pilot (a benchmark tied to PSSA and Keystone content) this year to provide midyear actionable data for teachers.
District leaders noted some data remain pending: the School Performance Profile (SPP) number used in evaluation calculations had not been released and will be shared once available. Administrators also summarized scholarship totals and recognition (local scholarships of $106,750 and national merit honorees) and reiterated that vocational and alternative pathways (Steel Center results, ASVAB outcomes) continue to provide routes to graduation and career readiness.
The meeting moved to questions and a short public comment period, during which a local resident reflected on historical continuity of education debates. The board then voted to enter an executive session and adjourned the public meeting.
Next steps: the administration will return with findings from the K–8 math pilots and the Firefly benchmark reports for board review and consideration of a new math curriculum in the spring.
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