Erdenheim principal and reading specialists describe 'WIN' intervention as early gains show

At the Springfield Township SD board meeting on March 17, Erdenheim Principal Ben Spiker and reading specialists Jess Davis and Krista Lynch presented the school's 'WIN' (What I Need) intervention block for grades 3'5.

Spiker said WIN is a 40-minute daily period when students receive targeted academic intervention or enrichment tailored to their needs. "It's a time where every student, at every level is getting academic support or extension to both reach or exceed grade level goals," he said.

Jess Davis explained that the school uses multiple data points to form flexible groups: universal screeners administered three times per year, prior-year PSSA results and classroom assessments. "With these multiple data points, we're able to then identify students that need pullout support in the reading center or in the math center," Davis said. Groups are labeled 'intervene', 'reinforce' and 'extend' and teachers and specialists review placement monthly during PLCs.

Krista Lynch described instructional playbooks, suggested block structures, and monthly PLC review and coaching to support teachers implementing WIN. Presenters said the district is already seeing effects: Spiker reported that scores on the winter Link assessment are up "11 points from last time, a year ago." The presentation closed with brief student clips in which students said WIN helps them understand math and reading content and provides extra time when they're stuck.

Board members pressed for broader success metrics beyond LINK; presenters cited PSSA alignment and DIBELS for early-literacy measurement and reiterated that student feeling of usefulness and multiple assessment results are part of the evaluation.

What happens next: Academic Affairs and school leaders will continue PLC reviews, coaching and data monitoring to guide group placement and curriculum supports; no board action was required on the presentation itself.