-- July 2022 --
Ephrata Area School District was recently recognized by The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) as one of 13 school districts named nationally as a Lighthouse school system. Lighthouse systems serve as models of positive change in public education and are engaged in learning, networking, and working together to help drive education policy and ultimately improve student learning. According to AASA, these districts are “exemplary educational systems that serve as beacons of light in key areas of the holistic redesign of American education.”
“This distinction is a tribute to the continual efforts by EASD teachers and staff who continually work hard to engage every student. A central focus of these efforts is innovating instructional strategies and supporting growth toward learning targets beyond standardized tests,” shared Dr. Brian Troop, Ephrata Area School District Superintendent.
The District completed an extensive application that was evaluated by a panel of independent education leaders from across the country. Components and strategies were reviewed for evidence in eight key areas. Ephrata Area School District was specifically recognized in the Lighthouse area of Future-Ready Learners. “The criteria used for this national recognition, is consistent with the same prevailing wisdom around preparing students to be Life Ready Graduates, which has been a part of EASD for the past six years,” Dr. Troop continued.
Additionally, Ephrata Area School District leaders were invited to attend the AASA National Summit in Washington D.C. this summer to collaborate with over 140 school districts and share more about the EASD Life-Ready journey. “The opportunity to learn from colleagues across the country should be inspirational for the school systems participating in a process that provides endless opportunities to reflect on the majesty of the work that is happening right now in our school communities,” said Mort Sherman, AASA Associate Executive Director.
More information on the AASA Lighthouse recognition is available at www.aasa.org.