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Chester-Upland officials say district is ahead on state literacy mandates and preparing for new FAFSA rule
Summary
At a May 21 Committee of the Whole meeting, district leaders said Chester-Upland is preparing to meet Act 47 structured-literacy requirements and is formalizing procedures to comply with new FAFSA completion rules for the Class of 2027.
Lorraine Lavender Sams, speaking for the policy committee at the Committee of the Whole on May 21, said Pennsylvania’s Act 47 requires districts to adopt an evidence-based K–3 reading curriculum, implement universal screening and ensure staff complete required professional development by 2029.
The committee’s update said Chester-Upland School District is already implementing multiple evidence-based literacy interventions, revising literacy blocks for kindergarten through eighth grade, providing ongoing professional learning in partnership with DCIU and Widener University, and planning to adopt an updated reading curriculum for the 2027–28 school year.
The policy committee also reviewed a state rule affecting FAFSA completion: beginning with the Class of 2027, districts must require seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or submit opt-out forms. The committee said the rule will require finalized procedures, strengthened family communications and supports so students are not denied graduation for failing to file paperwork.
"Pennsylvania is requiring districts to adopt a new evidence-based K through 3 reading curriculum by 2027–28," the policy committee presenter said, adding that Chester-Upland has begun professional learning and pilot interventions to meet that timeline.
District officials said the next step is a clear policy-review timeline to be posted in June and dedicated policy emails to invite public feedback on curriculum and policy changes.
The meeting did not include a formal vote on curriculum adoption; presenters described implementation planning and outreach as the district’s immediate priorities.
