Scituate School District Unveils Two-Year Strategic Plan for Student Success

Data-driven approach aims to boost performance across all student groups

SCITUATE, MA - October 21 - Scituate Public Schools Superintendent Bill Burkhead presented a comprehensive two-year strategic plan to the school committee Monday night, focusing on improving student outcomes, enhancing curriculum, and fostering leadership development.

The plan, which runs from 2024 to 2026, aims to address achievement gaps and boost performance across all student groups. It includes a more rigorous data review process to track student progress throughout the year.

"We want our performance and metrics on our MCAS, our SAT and AP exams to do better for all of our kids. That simple. And we know we can," Burkhead said.

The district will implement a systemic student support system, expanding from a pilot program at Gates Middle School to the entire middle school and a group at Jenkins Elementary this year. The goal is to have all schools using this multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) within two to three years.

"It's processes and systems that are consistent and a great way to operate schools that all of our schools will have," Burkhead explained.

A key component of the plan is the implementation of a new math program for grades 6-12. Professional development for teachers will take place on Nov. 5 and March 18, with the goal of creating both vertical and horizontal scope and sequence in Atlas Rubicon, an online curriculum management system, by June 2026.

The district will also focus on improving its "WIN" (What I Need) blocks, which provide personalized learning time for students. Burkhead acknowledged that while all schools currently have WIN blocks, there are inconsistencies in their implementation and effectiveness.

"We're doing it across the schools. We're doing it slightly different in different places," he said. "Some folks might be really more heavy on tier three learning on supporting those students. And then whereas the kids that are accelerated might be getting something, but some of the schools are doing a real good job with the accelerated folks."

To address these inconsistencies, the district plans to audit and review the WIN blocks, sharing best practices across schools to improve their effectiveness for all students.

The plan also includes a focus on data-driven decision making. The district will implement a mid-year data review process, bringing together teachers, administrators, and other staff to analyze various assessment data, including DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), STAR, and social-emotional measures.

"We've got so much information there, but I think that's all we've been doing is giving information, telling the story behind it so people can hear it," Burkhead said. "Oh, okay. That's why that's important. That's what's working. This is what might not be working."

The superintendent set ambitious goals for student achievement, aiming to improve the percentage of all students meeting or exceeding expectations on MCAS by June 2026. He also emphasized the importance of student growth scores on both MCAS and internal benchmarks.

"We want to make sure that every year kids are growing and not recessing," Burkhead said.

The plan includes initiatives to strengthen communication with families and the community, particularly around the new Cushing-Hatherly Elementary School Project. The district will hold community meetings starting in November to gather feedback on enrollment plans and educational vision for the new school, set to open in fall 2027.

To address staffing challenges and foster leadership development, the district is piloting a coaching program for teachers and implementing a recognition program to celebrate staff achievements. Burkhead also plans to continue participating in mentorship programs for administrators and expand efforts to attract a diverse pool of candidates.

School committee members expressed support for the plan, with one noting the significant improvement in goal-setting compared to previous years. The committee approved the creation of a new METCO Student Success Liaison position, funded by a grant, to provide additional support for Boston resident students in the district.