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Susquehanna Township SD cites large winter Keystone gains, pilots new curriculum and hosts Wales exchange
Summary
Board heard a report showing Keystone pass rates rose from about 7.1% to 26.4% in the winter window, discussed K–6 Savvas social-studies pilots and a grant-funded student exchange with Wales. The board pledged continued monitoring of academic growth.
The Susquehanna Township School District board heard a presentation from Dr. Martin on winter Keystone results and curriculum pilots, and staff highlighted a grant-funded international exchange with a Welsh high school.
Dr. Martin told trustees the district’s Keystone winter pass rate grew from about 7.1% to 26.4% between testing windows. "We went from 7.1 percent in the winter testing window to 26.4 percent," Dr. Martin said, calling the change "a data point and testament to the hard work of staff and learners." He said gains were seen across tested categories and gave literature as an example (reported improvement from roughly 9.4% to 43.5%). Dr. Martin emphasized that district MAP and preliminary PSSA results will be reviewed to confirm alignment and to assess achievement and growth metrics.
Superintendent (name not stated) and other trustees framed the numbers as evidence that recent interventions and teacher work are beginning to show impact, while cautioning that growth must be sustained and validated against other assessments. Trustees discussed piloting the Savvas social-studies resource in K–5/6 buildings and introducing Elevate Education, a grant-funded program for ninth graders intended to strengthen study skills.
Board staff also described an international visit: four students and two educators from a Welsh high school participated in a two-day immersive visit supported, the board said, by a $45,000 grant from the Welsh government and coordination by the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. Visiting students and district representatives described cultural and classroom exchanges and said reciprocal travel is being planned to send district students to Wales.
The board noted the district will continue to monitor pilot implementation and test-score trends and report back at future meetings. No formal changes to curriculum adoption were made during this meeting.
