Hatboro-Horsham High Student Scores Unveiled

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —Student performance was the topic of discussion where school officials outlined recent scores on state and national tests at a recent Hatboro-Horsham School Board meeting.

Assistant Superintendent Ted Domers and David Weber, Director of Curriculum, presented HHSD student achievement and growth data on state assessments, focusing on how student performance informs actions taken in the schools.

Weber shared scatter plots illustrating achievement data and growth data for the PSSA and Keystone exams, with HHSD consistently exceeding the state and county average for both achievement and expected growth in most subject areas.

Domers presented data for the current 6th and 9th-grade students, highlighting the value in comparing student performance to the student’s prior performance over three years.

The analysis of this data informs decision-making to fulfill the District’s commitment to learning as its fundamental purpose. HHSD’s approach to improving student achievement includes ensuring students engage in an academically rigorous curriculum, establishing a sustainable response to learning, and implementing research-based and measurable strategies.

In regards to Hatboro-Horsham High School, Principal Dr. Dennis M. Williams presented the 2023 high school SAT, Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, and NOCTI data.

HHHS outperformed national and statewide averages on the SAT and ACT exams. However, Dr. Williams noted that SAT and ACT participation rates have fallen significantly post-COVID, both at HHHS and statewide, as many colleges and universities no longer require them for admission.

Of the high school students who took the NOCTI exam in 2023, 89 percent scored proficient or advanced, Williams said.

The principal discussed AP exam participation, with the high school having an impressive 82 percent pass rate.

He also discussed the advantages of a new state law regarding Dual Enrollment requiring schools to enter into agreements with approved state institutions of higher education to allow students to earn college-level credit before graduating high school.

In other school board news:

Hatboro-Horsham High School assistant principals Angela Whelan and Sarah Berman, and
teacher Colleen Cram presented the school board with how the flexible Lunch and Learn period engages student voices to cultivate a culture of belonging at the high school.

The Lunch and Learn program, now in its second year, offers diverse activities and spaces for students to develop a sense of community and belonging.

The Strive Thru Cafe was added this year, providing opportunities for students with learning
differences to gain work experience and connect with friends. Plans for the Lunch and
Learn program includes expanding access to food services and adding TV displays to promote awareness of events and opportunities.