Lansdowne, PA – May 13, 2026
The William Penn School District is making significant strides in student growth and school climate through a focused, standards-aligned, and data-informed approach to instruction, combined with a sustained investment in educators and student support systems.
A recent study based on data from the Stanford Education Data Archive highlights clear academic progress across the district. While increasing overall proficiency levels remains an important priority, WPSD students are demonstrating strong academic growth and are outperforming peers in comparable districts in measures of student learning gains. The results were published today at Education Scorecard, and WPSD’s results as a nationally-recognized “District on the Rise in Math” can be found here.
From 2022 to 2025, WPSD students increased at a rate of +0.11 grade levels per year, outpacing the average growth of comparable districts. In addition, the district ranks in the 88th percentile nationally in student learning rates, placing it ahead of the majority of districts across the country in terms of academic growth. Learning rates are measured in grade levels of skills gained per year and are averaged over math and reading. At the same time, student behavior incidents have decreased by 47 percent between the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 school years.
These results reflect a districtwide commitment to using data to inform instruction and support students in real time.
“We believe that when our educational leaders truly understand the data, they move beyond identifying gaps to implementing the strategies needed to close them,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Becoats. “That clarity allows us to better support both students and staff.”
Across the district, teachers regularly use assessment data to adjust instruction, identify learning gaps, and provide targeted support. Structured collaboration time, supported by instructional facilitators and teacher leaders, allows teams to plan effectively and respond to student needs with precision.
The district has also made a strategic investment in building internal capacity. Through initiatives such as Develop From Within, educators are supported in advancing their careers while strengthening instructional expertise across schools.
This work is guided by the district’s strategic plan. Focus Forward 2025 was launched in 2021 and then Focus Forward and Beyond was launched in April 2025. The plans emphasize academic excellence, cohesive systems, and operational effectiveness. The district’s operating budget is aligned with the strategic plan’s priorities and investments, supporting initiatives and resources that strengthen student achievement, student support systems, staff development, school operations, and long-term district sustainability.
In addition to academic gains, the district has seen meaningful improvements in school climate. A coordinated focus on clear expectations, proactive supports, and positive behavior systems has contributed to a 47 percent reduction in student behavior incidents. These efforts are reinforced through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), School Safety Officer training, and consistent engagement with students, staff, and families.
“Our students thrive when they feel safe, supported, and connected,” said Mr. Steve Chicano, principal of Penn Wood High School. “The progress we are seeing is the result of staff across the district building strong relationships with students, maintaining consistent expectations, and working together to create positive school environments where students can focus on learning and growth.”
Together, these strategies reflect a unified approach that aligns instruction, support systems, and resources to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The progress taking place across William Penn schools reflects what is possible when strong instruction, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement unite students, staff, families, elected officials, and the broader school community in support of student success.
