The Board of Education met yesterday [Monday, September 24] and, among other items, approved a plan for changes in Board of Education districts. In addition, the Board discussed updates of the Instructional Planning Model and the Kindergarten Program, approved preliminary plans for the Kensington Parkwood Elementary School modernization, reviewed the new Diversity Instructional Web Site and the Strategic Technology Plan, and approved the observation of Hispanic Heritage Month in the school system. The Board postponed a decision on regulations for student use of portable communication devices.

Board Redistricting

The Board recommended a plan to redraw the five Board of Education districts to equalize growth in population among districts as required by law. The recommendation will be submitted for incorporation into a local bill for consideration in the next General Assembly.

Update on the Instructional Planning Model

The Board reviewed an update regarding the curriculum, assessment, and instruction blueprints that are part of the MCPS Instructional Planning Model. The blueprints provide support to teachers in the implementation of the curriculum framework adopted by the Board in July, 2001. The planning model is designed to strengthen the rigor and challenge of the current curriculum, align what is taught and what is tested, and create precise expectations of what students need to know and be able to do at each grade level.

Update on the Kindergarten Program

The Board reviewed an update on the revised kindergarten program and its implementation in half-day and full-day kindergarten classes. Findings regarding acquisition of reading skills shown in the Kindergarten Student Progress Report underscore the significant effectiveness of full-day kindergarten with a revised curriculum that emphasizes reading and writing, particularly for students who are poor and/or English language learners.

Diversity Instructional Web Site

The Board reviewed an updated MCPS web site called Celebrate and Investigate Diversity. The site provides direct access to materials that provide information and activities supporting the six celebrations formally acknowledged by the Montgomery County Council: Hispanic Heritage Month, American Indian History Month, African American History Month, Women’s History Month, Arab American History Month, and Asian Pacific Heritage Month.

Kensington Parkwood Medernization

The Board approved preliminary plans for modernization of Kensington Parkwood Elementary School.

Hispanic Heritage Month

The Board approved the observance of Hispanic Heritage Month in the school system, recognizing the continued successful educational efforts of Hispanic students and the importance of effective partnerships with Hispanic parents, staff, and community members.

Strategic Technology Plan

The school system’s Strategic Technology Plan was presented to the Board. The plan will guide technology-related decisions, priorities and resource allocations for the next six years.

Student Use of Portable Communication Devices

The Board postponed a decision on revisions to regulation COG-RA, “Student Portable Communication Devices,” pending further clarification of the proposed regulations by the Portable Communications Devices Work Group.

Board of Education: Board of Education: Mrs. Nancy J. King, president; Mr. Kermit V. Burnett, vice president. Members: Mr. Steve Abrams, Ms. Sharon W. Cox, Mr. Reginald M. Felton, Mr. Walter N. Lange, Mrs. Patricia O’Neill, and Mr. Dustin Jeter, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.