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We reviewed the upcoming agenda for Quakertown Community SD and found 5 items with policy significance ahead of the vote.
| PRIORITY (LEVEL 7) |
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District Adopts AP Course with ‘Social Lenses’ Framework
The draft 2027-2028 Program of Studies includes a course description for ‘AP Seminar: English’ which requires students to conduct ‘research through various social lenses’. This language is often associated with contested ideological frameworks that analyze issues through the lens of group identity and power dynamics.
Policy Use
TRACK AND DOCUMENT: The Program of Studies draft under item 5.A contains language promoting ‘social lenses’ in the AP Seminar course. Document this language and monitor for final board approval as an example of how ideological frameworks are embedded in national programs adopted locally.
Policy Lever: Curriculum Adoption
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| WATCH (LEVEL 6) |
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District to Review Gifted Seminar Course with ‘Critical Discourse’
The committee is reviewing a new course, ‘Gifted Seminar: Community Innovation & Impact,’ for gifted students. The curriculum includes a unit on ‘Epistemology, Metacognition, & Critical Discourse’ and focuses on a ‘service-learning framework’ where students investigate ‘authentic needs’ within their community.
Policy Use
WATCH: Item 4.B proposes a new ‘Gifted Seminar’ course. Request clarification on the ‘Critical Discourse’ unit and the scope of the ‘service-learning’ component to assess potential for student politicization. Monitor for full board consideration.
Policy Lever: Curriculum Adoption
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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District Moves Grading Guidelines to Separate, Unprovided Document
As part of the 2027-2028 Program of Studies update, the district is removing its ‘Grading Guidelines’ from the main program document and placing them in a separate document. This document was not included in the agenda packet, reducing transparency on grading policies which can be a vehicle for ‘equity grading’ initiatives.
Policy Use
PULL THE DOCUMENT: Item 5.A notes that grading guidelines have been moved to a separate document not included in the agenda. Direct a records request to the District Office for the ‘QCHS Grading Guidelines Document’ to review for changes related to equity-based grading practices.
Policy Lever: Policy Transparency
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| WATCH (LEVEL 5) |
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District Implements State-Mandated FAFSA Graduation Requirement
The proposed 2027-2028 Program of Studies adds a new graduation requirement, mandated by state Act 47, for students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The policy includes an opt-out provision for students who submit an official form, but makes submission of the federal form the default.
Policy Use
BRIEF STATE AFFAIRS: Item 5.A shows local implementation of the PA Act 47 FAFSA mandate. Note the inclusion of an opt-out form. This is a data point for tracking the impact of state laws that increase federal entanglement in local education.
Policy Lever: State Mandate Compliance
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| WATCH (LEVEL 4) |
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Committee Discussed School Climate Surveys and Data Collection
The September 14 meeting minutes, up for approval, show the administration and committee discussed ‘surveying and data collection’ as part of a focus on ‘school climate’. Such surveys often contain questions related to student attitudes, beliefs, and identity, raising parental rights concerns regarding notification and consent.
Policy Use
WATCH: The approved minutes from September (Item 3) show a discussion on school climate surveys. Monitor future agendas for a specific survey proposal and be prepared to analyze its content and parental consent provisions.
Policy Lever: Parental Notification
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