Board of Education Update: September 13, 2024
The new school year is off to a strong start, and we are moving forward. The opening of schools presentation celebrates success and identifies areas of improvement. Also at the Board meeting, district staff highlighted student performance in literacy - a top priority for the Board this year. Over the next few weeks, Board committees will begin their work and we invite you to follow along.
Moving Forward by Starting Strong
“We are so proud and excited to welcome students and staff back - we’ve had a wonderful start to the school year,” Dr. Taylor said as he introduced the Opening of Schools presentation to the Board.
There is a lot to celebrate from the first few weeks of school. Staff are committed to maintaining the momentum of our strong start. This includes:
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Strategies that show positive academic outcomes for students
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Building and strengthening relationships between central services and schools
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Enhancing school safety and security
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Proactive communication and follow up
Watch the opening of schools presentation for all the details.
Youngest Students Show Growth in Literacy Skills
One of the Board’s priorities for this school year is holding MCPS accountable for improving student achievement in reading. During the September 12 Board meeting, staff reported meaningful progress in early literacy development.
Kindergarten through second-grade students take reading assessments that help us see how well our teaching methods and interventions support their learning. Students are assessed for literacy skills using the following tests:
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
- Tracks reading skill development and identifies students who might not meet end-of grade-level reading goals.
- All kindergarten through second grade students participate.
Lectura
- Evaluates how students learning to read in Spanish are developing their reading skills.
- Kindergarten through second grade students in One-Way Immersion and Two-Way Immersion programs participate.
Testing data from the 2023-24 school year highlights significant growth in reading skills among Kindergarten through Grade 2 students. Across all grade levels and within specific racial/ethnicity and service groups, a higher percentage of students met or exceeded benchmarks in spring compared to fall 2023 and winter 2024 tests.
This report is encouraging news. Our commitment to the science of reading approach to literacy in the early grades is working.
The Board looks forward to continued updates as the district works to better support all students as they develop the essential skill of reading.
To learn more, including specific findings from the data, watch the presentation.
Do You Know About Our Committees?
The Board’s scope of work is vast and explores technical and detailed matters. One way the Board is able to consider decisions, evaluate progress, and help set priorities is through the work of committees. Each committee focuses on a distinct area:
Committee meetings take place throughout the year and are listed on the Board’s meeting calendar. Just like business meetings, committee meetings are open to the public in person and via livestream.
We encourage you to follow a committee that aligns with your interests. The first meetings of the school year start next week, scroll down for dates.
Upcoming Meetings
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Monday, September 16 - Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Committee Meeting
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Tuesday, September 17 - Policy Management Committee Meeting
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Thursday, September 19 - Committee on Special Populations Meeting
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Monday, September 23 - Strategic Planning Committee Meeting
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Tuesday, September 24 - Fiscal Management Committee Meeting
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Thursday, September 26 - Business Meeting
Visit our webpage to view agendas, meeting materials, and watch live or recordings.
Opportunities for Engagement
The public is encouraged to engage with the Board. Learn about the ways to participate on our website.
Stay Connected
Email us at boe@mcpsmd.org
Email us: boe@mcpsmd.org