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Board hears education committee plan for curiosity-driven pathways and updates on dual enrollment and cursive instruction
Summary
The education committee outlined a 'curiosity-driven pathways' initiative for ninth graders, reported dual-enrollment growth to 11 Gwynedd Mercy University courses (110 students) with a 2026–27 fee of $420 per course, and noted the district already teaches cursive in third grade to comply with recent state legislation.
The Tredyffrin/Easttown education committee presented curricular and program updates at the March 23 board meeting.
Dr. Amy Meisinger, Conestoga High School principal, described a proposal for "curiosity-driven pathways" designed to let students select multi-disciplinary concentrations without requiring additional coursework. The pathways begin in ninth grade, allow students to register while taking the sequence of four related courses, and conclude with a reflective "culminating pathway card," Meisinger said; the committee responded positively.
Dr. Matthew Starenchak (curriculum supervisor) updated the board on dual enrollment: 11 courses are eligible for college credit through the district's partnership with Gwynedd Mercy University and one additional course through an agreement with Immaculata. Enrollment in dual-credit courses has grown to about 110 students. He reported the 2026–27 fee will be $420 per course for three transferable credits—described as an approximately 80 percent reduction from Gwynedd Mercy's normal tuition—and that scholarship opportunities may be available.
Dr. Wendy Toll, director of curriculum, noted that recently passed Pennsylvania legislation mandates cursive instruction; the district already teaches cursive in third grade and will continue to comply.
Next steps: The district will continue to monitor dual-enrollment interest and communicate opportunities; curiosity-driven pathways will be introduced to ninth graders in the spring as described, and the district will track any further statutory requirements for cursive instruction.
