Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Curriculum topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kutztown Area SD board approves new 9th-grade course structure, agrees to monitor outcomes
Summary
The board approved a curriculum change to remove a separate ‘general’ course level at ninth grade—offering academic and honors levels with added supports—and asked administration for data and multiyear evaluation before considering expansion to higher grades.
The Kutztown Area School District Board of School Directors approved recommended changes to the 2025–26 program of studies that remove a separate “general” level at ninth grade and instead offer academic and honors levels, with additional supports for students who need them.
Superintendent (speaker labeled Superintendent) presented the proposal as a measured adjustment focused on ninth grade. He described supports that would accompany the change, including flexible algebra support periods and a reading-writing lab. He said special-education services and IEP accommodations would remain in force for students who require them.
Board members asked for data and for an explicit plan to review outcomes. One board member said quarterly updates comparing students who went through the prior leveling structure would help determine whether the move improved outcomes; another said the board should avoid expanding the change to 10th grade in the first year so the district can collect adequate evidence. The Superintendent and several board members said they expect two- to three-year monitoring to see whether the change achieves the intended improvements.
After discussion and public comment from a parent who raised concerns about where students with IEPs would fit, the board held a roll-call vote and approved the curriculum recommendation. Board members emphasized the need for follow-up data and agreed to make decisions about possible expansion to additional grades only after evaluation.
The board’s action directs administration to implement the 2025–26 ninth-grade program-studies change and to provide periodic evaluation updates to the board.
