Development News for Easton, Pennsylvania

District Addresses Concerns Over Screen Time for Young Learners and Reviews Technology Usage

During the discussion on curriculum and instruction items, a board member raised concerns about the amount of screen time for young learners (K-2) and suggested a move away from excessive online resources for this age group. This feedback was acknowledged, and the administration indicated a review of how tools like Aadian learning are used, aiming for more purposeful and targeted instruction rather than simply completion. Furthermore, a broader discussion is underway regarding the future of devices, usage, and screen time, with a decision already made that elementary students (except possibly fifth grade) will not take devices home, accompanied by a move towards non-device-based learning activities. The district is also re-evaluating its use of various software and metrics for analyzing student progress, aiming to streamline systems and reduce redundancy, potentially leading to different metrics in the future [cite: 464-556, 613-614, 683-733].

District Approves Multiple Technology, Curriculum, and Student Support Initiatives

The district is considering several curriculum and instruction items, including the renewal of online platforms like Aadian learning for K-6 reading, EXL learning for K-12 ELA and math, and Renaissance STAR assessment for grades 5-8. Edup Planet for staff professional development is also up for renewal. These programs are funded by the Ready to Learn grant. A key discussion point revolves around reducing screen time for younger students, particularly in K-2, and re-evaluating the necessity of certain online resources. The district is also exploring a new content filter system called Lightspeed, which aims for a proactive approach to student online safety and includes options for parent engagement. Renewals for K12 USA's message guard system and various PowerSchool add-ons, including Safe Arrival, School Messenger, Student Analytics, Behavior Support, Attendance Intervention, Special Programs, Schoology, and PD Plus, are also on the agenda. The district is working to consolidate PowerSchool billing for better cost management and a clearer overview of expenditures. Additionally, agreements for nursing services (Delta T), addiction counseling (Mars), a full-time counselor from Valley Youth House, and an amendment to the St. Luke's Health Agreement for a community liaison are proposed. A new system called Clear is being considered to verify student residency, aiming to ensure taxpayers fund students who genuinely reside within the district and potentially recover costs from non-resident students attending charter or cyber schools. Finally, the replacement of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is proposed to update aging equipment and standardize devices across the K-8 grades [cite: 399, 464-680, 1008-1390, 1391-1714, 1391-1672].

St. Luke's Health Agreement Amended to Continue Community Liaison Role

An amendment to the current St. Luke's Health Agreement is proposed to continue the community liaison position, currently held by Kelsey Gasper. This role, essentially a social worker, assists families with medical assistance, navigating mental health services, and acting as a liaison between various health partners. Kelsey Gasper will transition to a part-time role (three days a week), resulting in cost savings. The position is funded through PCCD grant funds [cite: 1497-1535].

District Renews Employee Assistance Program with St. Luke's Penn Foundation

The district is seeking approval for the renewal of its employee assistance program (EAP) with St. Luke's Penn Foundation. This confidential service supports employees and their household members with personal, family, emotional, financial, legal, and work-related issues. Participation is open to all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility or enrollment status, as well as household members over 18. The renewal is scheduled for the upcoming meeting on the 23rd [cite: 2033-2053].