Windber Area School District has officially completed its Comprehensive Plan for 2026–2029, and we are pleased to make this important document available for public review. This plan reflects a collaborative effort among administrators, teachers, board members, parents, students, and community representatives. It outlines a clear and focused roadmap for how our district will continue to provide high-quality educational experiences while addressing areas that will have the greatest impact on student success.
A Clear Focus on Student Achievement
Our Comprehensive Plan identifies four priority areas that will guide our work over the next three years:
1. Improving Student Attendance
Consistent attendance is essential for academic growth. The plan includes a measurable goal to reduce chronic absenteeism by at least 6% by 2029. Through proactive monitoring systems, strengthened family communication, and tiered supports for students, we are committed to ensuring that every student has consistent access to high-quality instruction.
2. Strengthening the Cycle of Effective Teaching and Learning
We are focused on ensuring that classroom instruction is tightly aligned to Pennsylvania academic standards and grounded in evidence-based strategies. Through sustained professional learning, instructional coaching, and consistent progress monitoring, we will build a reliable cycle of planning, teaching, assessing, and adjusting instruction to drive measurable improvement on state assessments.
3. Expanding the Use of Formative Assessment
Teachers will continue to strengthen their use of real-time checks for understanding, purposeful questioning, and student feedback systems. By enhancing formative assessment practices across all classrooms, we will ensure that instruction is responsive to student needs and that learning gaps are addressed quickly and effectively.
4. Implementing a Comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Our district is committed to a proactive, data-driven MTSS framework that supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of every learner. By clearly defining Tier 1 core instruction, Tier 2 targeted supports, and Tier 3 intensive interventions, we will ensure students receive the right level of support at the right time.
Building on Strong Foundations
The Comprehensive Plan builds upon significant district strengths, including:
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Substantial professional development in Structured Literacy
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Implementation of high-quality curriculum resources (CKLA and Amplify)
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Effective use of data-driven intervention platforms such as Get More Math and SpringMath
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Ongoing professional learning for staff
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Strong mental health supports and student-centered services
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A commitment to evidence-based instructional practices
These strengths position Windber Area School District to accelerate student growth while maintaining high expectations for all learners.
Supporting the Whole Child
Beyond academics, the plan reinforces our commitment to student well-being, equity, and college and career readiness. We continue to strengthen:
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Early Warning and Response Systems to identify and support at-risk students
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A coordinated K–12 guidance framework
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Dual enrollment opportunities with postsecondary partners
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Mental health services and student assistance systems
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Strong collaboration with families and community partners
Our goal is clear: every student will graduate prepared with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to succeed in postsecondary education, the workforce, and civic life.
A Community-Driven Plan for the Future
The 2026–2029 Comprehensive Plan reflects thoughtful analysis of district data, stakeholder input, and alignment with the Pennsylvania Future Ready PA Index. It establishes measurable goals, defined action steps, and ongoing monitoring processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
We are proud of the hard work that has gone into developing this plan, and even more excited about the meaningful opportunities it creates for our students.
We invite families, staff, and community members to review the full Comprehensive Plan and join us as partners in continuing to move Windber Area School District forward.
Finally, click here for an audio podcast version of the comprehensive plan.