Abington board approves 2026–27 academic program changes, adds 'portrait of a graduate' to program of studies

The Abington School District board on Jan. 27 approved proposed academic program changes for 2026–27 that include new and renamed courses at the senior high school and adding the district’s "portrait of a graduate" to program materials for middle and high schools.

Doctor Mowery introduced Alice Swift, principal of Abington Senior High School, and Ms. Laura Nama, director of secondary teaching and learning, who presented the recommendations. Swift and Nama proposed a new five‑credit leadership in business course focused on management skills and real‑world projects; renaming Introduction to Information Technology to Introduction to Networking and Cybersecurity; renaming and rebranding some business electives to better align with industry and higher education; and adding an Algebra and Statistics (10‑credit) course designed to support students who need additional foundational skills before Algebra II.

"We have 178 students who are currently taking advantage of those opportunities" in dual enrollment, Nama said, noting the district has eight dual‑enrollment partners and is exploring expansion with Penn State and historically Black colleges. The presentation also introduced a district "portrait of a graduate" with five attributes — problem solver, effective communicator and collaborator, resilient learner and achiever, creative and innovative thinker, and informed and engaged citizen — that will be added to the program of studies and refined at each grade level.

Board members pressed on math outcomes and access. Nama said the district moved Algebra to eighth grade several years ago and immediately saw a 20% increase in Keystone Algebra scores districtwide after that change; the proposed Algebra and Statistics course aims to provide an additional support year for students who still need it before Algebra II. On cost and access to dual enrollment, Nama said partner institutions use different pricing structures and that some provide free tuition for students who qualify for free and reduced meals; in other cases partners offer partial tuition reductions.

The board approved publication of the Abington Middle School and Abington Senior High School Program of Studies for 2026–27, with the caveat that final scheduling depends on enrollment and budget availability.