South Butler County School District administrators are interested in making use of new tools in order to get a better idea about the issues students face- as well as reach them with effective help.
During a school board meeting on Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. David Foley shared some details about PAYS- or the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. This survey is offered every other year by the PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency so districts who elect to participate can hear from students in sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth grade about issues including substance abuse, poverty and bullying.
The survey data allows school officials to make informed decisions regarding which programs they will use to provide the most benefit to students. Three school districts in the Butler County currently participate in the PAYS program. Foley would like to see the district participate this fall if the opportunity is presented. Parents are able to opt their children out of the survey if they so choose.
Assistant Superintendent Richard Cavett also presented information about making use of the data collected through a free online resource called EverFi. The district is currently using some programming offerings from this non-profit digital educational resource, but administrators hope to find additional ways to use the information to reach students on topics such as bullying prevention and prescription drug abuse.
The school board did not take action Wednesday on either program.
