Wissahickon School District

The committee meeting focused on a Special Education Identification update. The district reviewed 2024-2025 data from the Equity Dashboard and discussed the implementation of an action plan designed to monitor and address the overrepresentation of Black and Hispanic students in special education while ensuring best practices are maintained.

The committee reviewed the Board committee mission statement. Discussions covered student mental health supports including parent and caregiver resources available on the district website, as well as preventative classes for students. An informational update was provided regarding requests for additional outside AED machines. The committee previewed results from a sleep habit survey and a poster contest, with a full presentation scheduled for a future board meeting. Additionally, the committee discussed existing mental and behavioral health resources available to staff.

This Professional Development Plan outlines the Wissahickon School District's strategy for professional education and continuous improvement of staff capabilities from 2022 to 2025. The plan is structured around key action steps including Differentiated Instruction, Assessment Literacy, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, and a Curriculum Equity Audit. It aims to enhance educators' content knowledge and teaching skills, improve classroom-based assessment and data utilization, empower staff to work with parents and community partners, and foster equity and inclusion to support all students' social, emotional, mental, behavioral, and academic wellness and success.

The committee held a community listening session to gather feedback and suggestions on three key district priority areas: responses to racial disparities in discipline, equitable representation in the district's gifted program, and teacher and staff diversity. Participants engaged in facilitated listening circles to discuss these topics, with the goal of using the collected insights to define potential next steps for future action plans.

The committee meeting focused on community engagement and communication strategies for the school year. Discussions included a review of Parent/Guardian Satisfaction survey results, updates on district social media and newsletter engagement, highlights on video production for community outreach, and potential partnerships with the local public library. Additionally, the committee explored strategies to improve public understanding of board roles and responsibilities, such as producing educational videos or launching a social media campaign.