Embracing a Future-Ready Mindset with Students at the Center at South Allegheny School District

An AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System Vignette

In the fall of 2024, South Allegheny School District was named an AASA Learning 2025 Lighthouse Demonstration System for its work in the area of future-ready learners

Located in Western Pennsylvania, the preparation of students to become future-ready highlights the far-thinking culture of South Allegheny School District. The central goal of the school district is to individualize and personalize students’ education. A major commitment is to teaching the whole child, reinforcing that every student can succeed in spite of economically challenging circumstances.

There is a creative approach to all facets of students’ education, including using COVID funds to help catch up and deliver quality 21st century education for every learner. As a result instructional, assessment, and structural changes have been made. These include the addition of “Flex Time” to the school’s schedule, allowing for students to explore focus areas of interest. Students pick a 42-minute period where they can do what they want to do, including taking advantage of a major new athletic facility. Many organizations and clubs are now available as well as a comprehensive new reading program (CKLA) at the elementary school level to bring all learners up to grade-level reading proficiency.