814.446.5615 Ext. 3305
Director of Education
Donny Bowers
Director of Education
United School District Comprehensive Plan
MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support)
Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is the practice of matching students’ needs to high-quality, research-based instruction, intervention, and enrichment. Universal screening data are used to make informed decisions that will support students’ growth and achievement. The MTSS process and structure helps school teams design, implement, and evaluate the academic, emotional, and behavioral needs of the students. By creating a culture rooted in best practices for academics and social-emotional learning, we are able to provide students with a comprehensive, well-rounded education. United School District is committed to developing an effective and supportive MTSS system in both our elementary and secondary schools to provide an equitable educational experience for all students.
(United School District MTSS Framework)
SWPBIS (School Wide Positive Behavior Support)
Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a proactive approach to discipline that promotes appropriate student behavior and increased learning. The system is based upon a three-tiered model. The first tier (universal) serves as the foundation upon which the other two tiers are built. This tier provides a system of supports to all students in a school based on preventative practices that emphasize teaching and reinforcing expected student behaviors. Tier two (secondary) provides targeted interventions to support students classified as “at risk,” who require more intervention than is typically provided within tier one universal support. Supports offered in tier three (tertiary) require the most intensive level of intervention for students with the most significant behavioral/ emotional support needs. United School District is committed to developing school wide PBIS systems in both our elementary and secondary schools to help support positive student behavior expectations.
(United School District PBIS Framework)
Federal Programs
Title I
In the United School District, Title I services are provided at the United Elementary School through a school-wide model. All children kindergarten through grade six are eligible to receive services. Most of the Title I instructional support is provided in-class on a daily basis. Occasionally, children who need additional help may be pulled from the classroom and receive remediation from a Title I Reading Specialist. These children are not penalized for missing regular classroom instruction. Using a small group or one-to-one setting, the Title I teachers can differentiate instruction by using materials and approaches that are designed specifically to meet the particular needs of their students. Our main goal is to provide supplemental instruction in order for these children to meet the rigorous educational standards that Pennsylvania has established.
(United School District Title I Page)
Title II
Title II funds are provided to help school districts support effective instruction for their students and programs. The areas of focus for Title II are to help with recruitment and retention of teachers, class size reduction, professional development, technology integration, and mental illness and intervention. United School District uses Title II funding to support class size reduction. By keeping a lower teacher to student ratio we can better support our students and monitor their progress.
Title IV
Title IV funding is available to hep school districts offer student support and academic enrichment. These funds can be used to provide a well-rounded education for all students, improve school conditions for student learning, and to improve the use of technology and digital literacy of all students. United School District uses Title IV funds to support our STEM programming. Our STEM courses increase student critical thinking and problem solving skills which helps prepare our students to be successful after high school. United School District is also working on increasing STEM Partnerships with local business in our community to help support real life student learning and experiences.
United Cyber Academy
United Cyber Academy students have the ability to take courses in the midst of their regular day through a hybrid schedule, a mixture of traditional and cyber offerings, or on a full-time schedule either at school or at their home. These students have the ability to recover credits, remediate, or enrich. United School District partners with Rocket Online Campus and Virtual High School to offer a variety of courses and meet the needs of our students and their families.
Different from other cyber charter programs, the United Cyber Academy offers phenomenal advantages including:
Advantages:
A customized education
Flexible school schedule
A diploma from the United School District
At-home and on-site capabilities
Highly qualified, certified teachers
Core and elective course options
Ability to pursue unique talents/passions
Participation in United School District clubs and activities
Access to United School District libraries and resources
Daily progress reports
Ability to work at your own pace
Attending a well-established, well-respected school system
To learn more about the United Cyber Academy Program, please contact Donny Bowers at dbowers@unitedsd.net
(United School District Cyber Academy Page)
(United Cyber Academy Frequently Asked Questions)
Parent Engagement
United School District has a strong emphasis on parent involvement in helping us provide a quality education for our students. Parents and other community stakeholders play an important role in the progress of individual students. It is important that all parties work together to provide feedback and develop the best plan for our students. United School District recently started a Parent Advisory Council in which parents meet with administration every 2-3 months to learn, discuss, and provide feedback about programs and planning for their children. Additionally, United School District offers various opportunities for parents to get involved in their child's education through events throughout the school year. Some of the previous events that we have offered are listed below:
Literacy Night
Cyber Safety Night
Dual Enrollment / AP Parent Meeting
Back to School / Open House
Academic Fair
Parent / Grandparent Breakfast
Parent / Teacher Conferences
PTG
Parent Advisory Council
Pre-K Counts Program
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts was enacted into law by Act 45 of 2007 (and amended in 2008 and 2010) amending the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. §§ 25-2501—25-2599.3). Its purpose is to expand the number of children who have access to a high-quality pre-kindergarten program. United’s Pre-K Counts program is open to 4-year-old and 3-year-old students whose family meets the income guidelines. The program designed as a full-day program which runs on the regular elementary school time of 8:35- 3:45 daily and operates 180 days each school year. As part of the program, the United School District will provide bussing to and from school daily. Additionally, breakfast, lunch, and a daily afternoon snack will be provided at no cost to the families.