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Pennsbury SD presents 2024–25 achievement data, outlines responses to drop in ELA scores
Summary
District officials told the board they remain above state averages overall but saw declines in ELA proficiency mirroring statewide shifts; administrators blamed the first-year shift to online PSSA testing and described targeted responses including practice testing, curricular changes, MTSS and expanded literacy supports.
Pennsbury School District officials presented the district's 2024–25 annual achievement portfolio on Feb. 19, saying overall proficiency remains above Pennsylvania averages even as English-language-arts scores declined.
Doctor Beth Aldridge, identified in the presentation as the district's director of assessment and accountability, told the board the district's proficiency rates "range between 55–60% at each grade level," and that the decline in ELA this year tracks a statewide drop. She said the shift to a fully online PSSA this year likely contributed to the decline and that the state's changes to test design also affected results.
Aldridge and other administrators emphasized growth measures as a counterpoint: Pennsbury met PVAS (Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System) growth targets in fourth- and fifth-grade ELA and met or exceeded growth targets in most math grades. "Although our proficiency in fourth and fifth grade declined this year, we did meet our growth targets in grades 4 and 5," the presentation said.
The district described immediate and medium-term responses. Administrators said they will: - Increase student familiarization with online testing through Firefly practice tests and classroom practice with passage navigation; - Continue structured-literacy implementation and adopt new intermediate-grade materials for grades 3–5; - Use universal screening (MAP, Acadience) and MTSS teams to identify students needing tiered interventions; and - Strengthen teacher professional development and principal-led goal setting where PVAS flags concern at the teacher or school level.
Officials also highlighted high-school indicators: average SAT reading scores rose while math declined slightly; participation in Advanced Placement courses increased (the district reported early data above 30% participation, up from a 22% baseline), and AP exam-taking and scores improved alongside expanded AP and pre-AP offerings and 44 dual-enrollment partnerships with colleges.
Board members pressed for detail on remediation and school-level data. In response, administrators said MTSS teams and school leadership review student-level data to tailor interventions and that principals use these data in professional-development planning. The administration said additional curriculum resources and targeted training will be phased in to address identified gaps.
The board was also told the 2026'029 comprehensive plan will be posted for a 28-day review; the plan's mission and tagline were unveiled and will return for board consideration next month.
The presentation concluded with a pledge to monitor the impact of curriculum changes and the online-practice strategies on future assessment cycles.
