Hillsdale Elementary unveils 2526 TSI plan to support English learners
June 17, 2025 | West Chester Area SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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The West Chester Area School District held its Combined Committee and Monthly Board Meetings on June 16, 2025, focusing on the Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) and Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (ATSI) plans for Hillsdale and Pierce Elementary Schools. The meeting began with a presentation by Principal Merton and Dr. D'Antonio, who provided an overview of the support designation process for schools identified for targeted assistance.
The board was reminded of the annual review process following the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores, which typically leads to the identification of schools needing support by December. Currently, Hillsdale and Pierce Elementary Schools are designated for targeted support, particularly for their English learners. The schools are engaged in a continuous improvement cycle, which includes data review, action planning, and adjustments to enhance student outcomes.
Principal Merton highlighted the progress made under the previous year's TSI plan, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to improve literacy instruction and student engagement. Specific strategies implemented included professional development for teachers on effective methods for supporting English learners, such as using sentence frames and guided notes.
A notable change was the increase in tier 1 literacy instruction for kindergarten students, allowing them to receive foundational learning in their classrooms. This collaborative effort between reading specialists and English language teachers has reportedly led to significant improvements in English language development among students. Merton shared that 40% of English language learners scored a 3 or higher on their reading assessments in January, surpassing the previous year's percentage and contributing to the school's TFI designation for the upcoming year.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring progress and refining strategies to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The board expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the schools and the positive outcomes observed thus far.
The board was reminded of the annual review process following the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores, which typically leads to the identification of schools needing support by December. Currently, Hillsdale and Pierce Elementary Schools are designated for targeted support, particularly for their English learners. The schools are engaged in a continuous improvement cycle, which includes data review, action planning, and adjustments to enhance student outcomes.
Principal Merton highlighted the progress made under the previous year's TSI plan, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to improve literacy instruction and student engagement. Specific strategies implemented included professional development for teachers on effective methods for supporting English learners, such as using sentence frames and guided notes.
A notable change was the increase in tier 1 literacy instruction for kindergarten students, allowing them to receive foundational learning in their classrooms. This collaborative effort between reading specialists and English language teachers has reportedly led to significant improvements in English language development among students. Merton shared that 40% of English language learners scored a 3 or higher on their reading assessments in January, surpassing the previous year's percentage and contributing to the school's TFI designation for the upcoming year.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring progress and refining strategies to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The board expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the schools and the positive outcomes observed thus far.
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