ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 830 OLD CLAIRTON ROAD JEFFERSON HILLS , PA 15025 PHONE 412.655.8450 FAX 412.655.9544 www . wjhsd . net
MESSAGE FROM
Dr . Matthew Patterson , Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Iwould like to take this opportunity to update the community on a few of the major projects the district has been working on since the beginning of the school year .
In the last edition of IN Community , I shared that the school district initiated a new core reading program , Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts ( K-5 ) and Amplify English Language Arts ( 6-8 ) at the start of the year . I could not be more excited for our students to experience both programs . I also could not be prouder of our teachers , paraeducators and administrators as they implement these rigorous literacy programs , devoting many hours in preparation and planning . Literacy coaches from Amplify , along with the District ’ s Literacy Coach , have been supporting teachers and administrators by providing onsite coaching and professional development . Making a shift of this magnitude in how reading is taught is , at best , a multi-year process . I continue to be thankful for everyone ’ s efforts in embracing this change and am encouraged by the early results .
In early November , the District welcomed Natalie Wexler , author of the highly acclaimed book , The Knowledge Gap : The Hidden Cause of America ’ s Broken Education System — and How to Fix It ( Avery 2019 ). Wexler spoke to all K-12 faculty , staff and administrators , along with teams of administrators and teachers from six other local school districts . Her work has been featured in numerous publications including Forbes , Wall Street Journal , MIT Technical Review , New York Times and Washington Post . Ms . Wexler is a proponent of research-based reading instruction that allows children to engage with complex text , rigorous vocabulary and a wide range of knowledge-building topics over time . Her message reinforced the importance of the literacy work being done in grades K-8 and further evidence that WJHSD is leading the way .
The District recently completed a review of academic achievement and growth data with school administrators and teacher leaders . Teams reviewed data from NWEA MAP and state achievement data from the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment ( PSSA ) that was administered in the spring . While the state has yet to release other important data to the public or districts , including state averages for math , reading and science , value-added or growth data , and individual school results , we realize that there has been a regression in achievement since the 2018-19 school year , the last year the PSSA was given . We remain committed to closing the gap and returning achievement and growth to the levels experienced pre-pandemic . There was strong work that began during the 2018-19 school year , much of which showed positive results in just one year . Our goal is to get back to that point and build further upward momentum this year .
Thank you for your continued support of the entire WJHSD team and the important work being done here . Never underestimate the appreciation our team has for the families we serve . Take time to say “ thank you ” to everyone who comes into contact with your child each and every day . From the bus stop to the cafeteria , from the classrooms to the main office , our entire team appreciates you and having the opportunity to educate your child .
I wish you all the best in health and happiness this holiday season .
34 WEST JEFFERSON HILLS