Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Dr. Crystal Gajkowski
Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
SoCo Cyber School Coordinator
CTE Program Coordinator
Federal Programs Coordinator
Homeless/Foster Case Liaison
cgajkowski@scasd.us
Phone: 570-356-3508
Fax: 570-356-2892
Mrs. Alicia Lewis
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Administrative Assistant
Technology Secretary
Homeschool Coordinator
alewis@scasd.us
Phone 570-356-3515
Fax 570-356-2892
* Curriculum:
Important Notice: Curriculum Map Update
We are currently updating the curriculum maps for over 150 courses across 13 grade levels and three buildings. During this time, the curriculum maps will be temporarily unavailable on the district website.
We are working diligently to complete this process and will update the website with the revised maps as soon as they are finalized.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make these important improvements to enhance our students' learning experiences. If you have any questions, please contact the curriculum office.
District K-12 Curriculum Course Maps (Temporarily Unavailable)
* Instruction:
The Curriculum Office at Southern Columbia Area School District (SCASD) is dedicated to supporting academic excellence and student achievement through innovative and standards-aligned instructional practices. Our mission is to provide educators, students, and families with the resources, guidance, and support needed to foster a collaborative and engaging learning environment.
What We Do:
Curriculum Development: We ensure that all courses and programs align with Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) standards and prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
Instructional Support: Our office provides professional development opportunities, instructional strategies, and resources to help teachers deliver effective and differentiated instruction.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: We analyze assessment data to inform curriculum improvements, support instructional practices, and enhance student outcomes.
Program Oversight: We manage the development and execution of key district initiatives, including the SoCo Cyber Program, dual enrollment opportunities, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the English Language Learners (ELL) program, providing students with diverse pathways to achieve academic success.
Our Commitment:
As part of our dedication to continuous improvement, the Curriculum Office is actively involved in the district's Comprehensive Planning process. Through this collaborative, data-driven approach, we are aligning resources, setting measurable goals, and creating pathways to ensure every student reaches their full potential.
Please explore the resources and updates available here on our website. If you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact us directly. We are here to support our students, staff, and families in achieving excellence together.
* Assessment:
2024-2025 District Testing Calendar
Keystone Examination Background Information
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Beginning with the class of 2022–2023, students must demonstrate proficiency in the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams to graduate or fulfill one of the other pathways provided to graduate. Students will be offered multiple opportunities to take the Keystones throughout their high school career.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education will publish specific administration dates.
State Testing Religious Opt Out
Chapter 4 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code (22 Pa. Code 4.4) provides for the right of any parent/guardian to excuse his/her child from the state assessment if, upon inspection of the testing materials, he/she finds the assessment to conflict with his/her religious beliefs. This is the only basis under Chapter 4 rules for a parent/guardian to excuse his/her child from the statewide assessments.
Procedures for opt-out:
Once tests have been received by the district, assessments are available for review by parents/guardians. The assessment must be reviewed on district property, and district personnel must be present at all times. A parent interested in opting their child out of the assessment must schedule an appointment with a building administrator to review the testing materials. Before reviewing materials a confidentiality agreement must be signed to ensure test security.
If, after reviewing the test, parents/guardians find the test to be in conflict with their religious beliefs and wish their student(s) to be excused from the test, the parents/guardians must provide a written request to the Superintendent that states they do not want their child tested because the test conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Students who opt out due to a religious exemption must instead meet the state's graduation requirements by fulfilling one of the other pathways to graduation.
*All Assessment OPT OUT requests must be made two weeks prior to the start of testing. Please contact the Building Main Office for more information about the opt out process.