District Goals

 Springfield Township School District Goals

2025-2026 District Goals 

The Springfield Township School District is committed to collaborating with the local, county and state Board of Education, staff, students, parents, and community in the goal of creating a caring and positive environment that encourages students to develop their potential in academic, physical, social, and emotional aspects. 

Every day we strive to:

1. Increase achievement by challenging and supporting students to reach their highest potential.

2. Address the needs of the whole child by ensuring students feel healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, with opportunities for social/emotional learning and growth.

3. Prepare students with the skills, awareness, and desire to actively contribute as productive citizens, locally and beyond.  

4. Provide professional staff with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for highly effective delivery of instruction and services.

Core Goals For Our School District  *Ongoing, long-term goals

Core Goal 1

Through the use of data, maintain a consistent, school-wide approach to ensure we:

• support the foundational literacy and mathematics skills of students;

• identify students needing additional supports that will build on their strengths and target areas of need to ensure academic success while closing achievement gaps; and

• Identify and provide for students who are academically ready for more rigorous curricular opportunities and engagements.   

Core Goal 2

Build upon a collaborative environment among educational stakeholders - Board of Education members, administration, faculty, staff, and parents/guardians - to ensure students: 

• are functional, skilled readers by third grade; and 

• transition from Springfield Elementary School with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel at the middle school level. 

Core Goal 3

Provide a learning environment for students and staff that: 

• exceeds standards for safety and security; 

• cultivates the development of social-emotional learning skills essential for success in aspects of learning and living; and 

• values high-quality professional development aligned with the district mission statement.

Core Goal 4

Foster a strategic, forward-thinking mindset in which students are provided with: 

• enrichment opportunities beyond the traditional curriculum and classroom; 

• instructional technology that fosters collaboration and expanded thinking; and 

• activities aligned with career readiness, life literacies, and 21st century skills. 

Focus Goal Areas for 2025-26  

*Focus Goal: one-year goal to establish priorities and to define specific action with measurable objectives.

Focus Goal 1

Goal Statement:
By June 2026, the district will implement a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration Plan for grades Preschool through Six, which includes the development and Board approval of an AI Policy and Acceptable Use Plan (AUP), the delivery of professional development for 100% of instructional and support staff, and the identification and piloting of at least three AI tools to support teaching, learning, and operational efficiency. 

• Specific:
  The district will:

  • Develop and adopt an AI Policy and Acceptable Use Plan tailored to elementary students, faculty, and staff.

  • Provide professional development to increase staff awareness, understanding, and safe application of AI in instruction and workflow.

  • Research, vet, and pilot developmentally appropriate AI tools that enhance instruction, streamline operations, or support personalized learning.

• Measurable:

  • AI Policy and AUP drafted and approved by the Board of Education.

  • 100% of certified staff participate in at least one PD session on AI by June 2026.

  • At least three AI tools piloted in classrooms or departments, with feedback collected from staff and students (as age-appropriate).

  • Establishment of a staff AI Integration Committee and monthly update reports shared with administration.

• Achievable:
  The goal includes realistic deliverables aligned with existing structures such as PD days, curriculum committee meetings, and Board policy review timelines.

• Relevant:
  With AI's growing presence in education, this goal supports digital citizenship, future-ready skills, and instructional innovation while protecting student data and ensuring responsible use aligned with early learning standards.

• Time-Bound:
  All components including policy, PD, tool implementation, and feedback collection will be completed by the end of the 2025–2026 school year (June 2026).

 

Focus Goal 2

Goal Statement:
By June 2026, the district will deepen its commitment to school culture and climate by formalizing a character education framework aligned with Character.org’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, with the long-term goal of achieving National School of Character recognition. This will include the creation of a district Character Education Committee, a comprehensive audit and alignment of current practices, development of an action plan for full implementation, and the submission of a School of Character application by Spring 2027.

• Specific:
  The district will:

  • Establish a Character Education Committee (inclusive of staff, students, and families).

  • Conduct a self-assessment using the 11 Principles Framework from Character.org.

  • Align and strengthen initiatives that promote belonging, prosocial behavior, staff-student relationships, and positive school climate.

  • Integrate character development into academic content, behavioral expectations, and staff collaboration efforts.

  • Create and begin implementing a multi-year action plan with benchmarks toward national recognition.

• Measurable:

  • Character Education Committee formed by Fall 2025.

  • Self-assessment completed and findings documented by Winter 2025.

  • Action plan developed with identified goals under each of the 11 Principles by Spring 2026.

  • At least three new or revised initiatives (e.g., SEL integration, student leadership programs, staff recognition systems) implemented by June 2026.

  • Timeline for formal application to Character.org established, targeting Spring 2027.

• Achievable:
  Building on the 2024–2025 goal, this work continues and elevates existing programs and momentum, while introducing structured reflection and improvement based on a nationally recognized framework.

• Relevant:
  This work directly supports district values around equity, student well-being, staff morale, and positive behavior, while aligning with national best practices in character education.

• Time-Bound:
  The foundational work (committee, audit, plan development, and early implementation) will be completed by June 2026, with a target submission date for National School of Character recognition by Spring 2027.

 

Focus Goal 3

Goal Statement:
By June 2026, the district will design and adopt a comprehensive, multi-year Professional Development Plan that aligns with district priorities and staff needs. This plan will be informed by a needs assessment, include recommendations for regional collaboration (e.g., best practices sharing, consortium-based training for specialized staff), and establish an infrastructure for ongoing evaluation and revision of professional learning experiences.

• Specific:
  The district will:

  • Conduct a staff-wide needs assessment to identify strengths, gaps, and PD priorities.

  • Develop a three-year PD plan with clear focus areas (instructional strategies, SEL, technology, inclusive practices, etc.).

  • Identify and formalize partnerships with at least two regional entities (e.g., neighboring districts, county offices, or professional associations) for shared PD opportunities.

  • Establish differentiated PD pathways for general education teachers, special area staff, support personnel, and specialized roles (e.g., CST, counselors, nurses).

• Measurable:

  • Completion and presentation of a multi-year PD plan by June 2026.

  • Needs assessment completed with at least 80% participation rate.

  • Two or more regional collaboration opportunities identified and included in the plan.

  • At least four stakeholder feedback sessions (e.g., surveys, focus groups, PD committee meetings) held during the process.

• Achievable:
  The goal builds on existing PD structures and committees, leverages input from faculty and regional partners, and allows time for collaborative development and phased implementation.

• Relevant:
  A cohesive PD strategy supports teacher growth, staff morale, instructional quality, and retention. It ensures alignment with student needs, district initiatives (e.g., AI integration), and state/federal mandates.

• Time-Bound:
  All components including a needs assessment, draft development, regional collaboration exploration, and final plan approval will be completed by June 2026, ready for phased rollout starting in the 2026–2027 school year.