Members of the curriculum and technology committee of the Salisbury Township School District met Aug. 31 for their first meeting of the 2015-2016 school year.

The board is contemplating a proposed resolution regarding standardized testing, taking the stance “the district believes their top priority is the personalized education of every student, every day” and it is difficult to measure factors they consider to be essential such as the “dedication of teachers, rigor and breadth of academic offerings, opportunities for co-curricular exploration, level of parental engagement and the community’s commitment to public education.”

The resolution also states the district understands the value of some limited standardized testing and will continue to present the tests as mandated by law. The resolution states the district routinely provides its own student assessments which engage students as well as teacher assessments.

During a discussion of the resolution, Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss said $58.3 million is in Governor Tom Wolf’s budget for state testing.

In the proposed resolution, the board “is very concerned with the resources being diverted to standardized testing in classrooms and in districts across the state and the overuse of standardized tests which disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable children: minority students, low-income students, special needs students, as well as students who do not speak English as their first language; particularly when those tests are used to determine ranking, admission and graduation of students or to evaluate teachers and school staff and overall school performance.”

The resolution also states the board continues to be opposed to the state mandate requiring Keystone Exams in all Pennsylvania public schools as a graduation requirement.

Board members will review the proposed resolution and will continue to discuss it at future meetings.

Board President Russell Giordano said “by not doing anything, it looks like we are shirking responsibility. What do we get for the $58 million each fiscal year? Who makes the decision of what math kids should know at a certain age?”

“Salisbury is a leader in many ways,” Ziegenfuss said. “We provide an education above and beyond the tests.”

Board member Mary Ziegler said she recently spoke to a fourth grade teacher in the district.

“Fourth grade loses a whole month of education in April for testing. The students are losing a significant amount of time because of the testing,” Ziegler said.

In other business, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Lynn Fuini-Hetten said 36 professional development sessions were held over the summer with 298 registrations. Of those, 134 were professional staff, 132 were instructional assistants and 32 were community members or others associated with the district.

Orientation was held Aug. 31 for students in kindergarten, first, sixth and ninth grades. At the middle school, sixth grade students had six sessions and a scavenger hunt to find their way around the school. At the high school, student ambassadors helped new students find their way.

Board members received a curriculum update on new courses being offered this year at the high school. Social studies teachers Jen Brinson and Tanya Kennedy attended the meeting to answer any questions about the curriculum for Ancient and Classical Empires or Rebels, Robbers and Rogues.

Both courses are one semester.

According to the course description, in Ancient and Classical Empires, the students will examine the “fundamental building blocks of civilization by looking at ancient and classical empires. Students will discuss the fundamental societal institutions, government, religions and philosophies of China, India, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, Greece and Americas. At the end of the course, students will be able to identify the cultural and political contributions of ancient and classical empires on modern society.”

In Rebels, Robbers and Rogues, the students will study “the long history of rebels, robbers and rogues throughout the world. Students will learn about the rise and effects of religious and political rebels, various criminal elements and those who were on the fringe of society acting against the grain while often achieving positive outcomes. They will study various revolts, rebellions, pirates, soldiers, heretics, artists and politicians. At the end of this course, students should be able to think more critically and have an awareness of the legacies and impact of those who symbolized resistance.”

Fuini-Hetten commended Brinson and Kennedy for their work in developing the courses and writing the curriculum. Board member Tom Mantz said the content was “impressive” and liked having the documentation for the classes.

The district will be reapplying for the Apple Distinguished Educators Program. Apple Distinguished Educators are recognized globally for work with Apple technology in and out of the classroom. When the district initially received the distinction in 2013, Ziegenfuss said, “The Apple Distinguished Program recognition is an affirmation that our teachers, administrators and school board are on the right path to providing a world class education for our students.”

Fuini-Hetten said the distinction provides opportunities for the district and gives the district an opportunity to showcase how technology is working in education.

The board reviewed Policy 137 on home education and Policy 819 on suicide awareness, prevention and response.