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TLE committee review: West Chester assessment data lags several peers; district highlights equity days and belonging work
Summary
At the Teaching, Learning & Equity meeting Jan. 20, district staff presented county comparison assessment data showing lower math scores and mixed ELA results, described equity/unity days and a March 5 student-led belonging conference, and agreed to provide socio-economic overlays to better explain performance gaps.
The Teaching, Learning & Equity (TLE) Committee reviewed comparative assessment data and district equity work during its Jan. 20 meeting. Doctor Brown presented county-level comparisons showing West Chester Area SD roughly at 65% proficiency in elementary English/language arts, about 64% in middle-school ELA and approximately 40% in middle-school math; high-school Keystone results ranged from the high 40s to 80s depending on subject and school.
Doctor Brown said the district’s elementary ELA data sits “right there at 65%” and noted middle-school math “hovering right there, the 40%.” Brown also described districtwide equity activities — called 'unity days' or equity days — led by building equity advocates and student-directed events that included service projects and assemblies. "These activities were embedded into the school day," Brown said, adding they emphasized student voice and leadership.
Committee members pressed for trend data and for year-over-year comparisons to see whether the district is closing gaps relative to higher-performing districts. One member asked whether practices that appear to boost ELA Keystone results at two high schools could be identified and replicated for math instruction; another asked staff to overlay free-and-reduced-price-lunch data to clarify the relationship between poverty indicators and test results. Staff agreed to provide economic-disadvantage overlays and other comparative trend information in future updates.
Brown highlighted specific school work: Fuqua Middle School ran a modified schedule to facilitate an equity day focused on mental health and inclusion, with student councils and 'best buddies' groups leading activities and a philanthropy drive that donated to the Chester County Food Bank. Greystone Elementary held a weeklong set of activities promoting unity and belonging. Brown also announced a March 5 belonging conference led by Lori Hayes that will be student-led and will bus students to Ruston High School for the event.
Committee members generally welcomed the presentation and the district’s emphasis on student engagement and cross-building activities; staff said they will return with year-over-year trend data and socio-economic overlays to help interpret comparative performance.
The committee closed the discussion before moving to action items (curriculum budget and calendar second reading).
