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Upper Darby review highlights rising EL and special‑education enrollments, staffing shortages and attendance initiatives
Summary
A district review presented data showing EL students now about 19% of enrollment and growth in autistic support and special‑education needs; administrators described teacher shortages, 56 emergency‑certified teachers, substitute fill improvement to 47%, and multiple initiatives (coaching, MTSS, PD) to support students. Board discussed certification pathways and retention.
Upper Darby School District leaders on Monday presented a comprehensive review of staffing, enrollment and student achievement, warning that rapid growth in English‑learner and specialized‑needs populations is increasing demand for certified staff while the pool of newly certified teachers has declined.
“ Our EL population has surpassed 2,200 students,” Dr. Counsel told the Education & Pupil Services Committee, and presenters described district enrollment at 11,918 students overall. Administrators said that EL growth, rising autistic‑support enrollments and statewide declines in initial teacher certifications have combined to create chronic hiring pressures for special education, math…
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