ROCKVILLE, MD—The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Monday, September 27, and, among other items, preliminarily approved the Elementary Integrated Curriculum Framework for kindergarten through grade 5. The Board also passed a resolution proclaiming October 6 as Walk to School Day, declared the month of October as National Disability Awareness Month and Maryland Family Engagement Month in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Approval of K–5 Curriculum Framework
The Board of Education granted preliminary approval of the MCPS Elementary Integrated Curriculum (EIC) Framework. The framework combines the existing elementary curriculum; Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and mathematics adopted by the Maryland State Board of Education last June; and a research-based Thinking and Academic Success Skills Framework created by MCPS. Further feedback from stakeholders will be collected prior to final approval at a later Board meeting. The EIC blends reading and math instruction with lessons in social studies, science, the arts, and physical education. The Integrated Kindergarten Curriculum was piloted in 90 schools during 2009–2010, and the integrated curriculum is being implemented voluntarily in kindergarten and first grade in 112 elementary schools this year. MCPS expects to have the curriculum completed for all elementary grade levels by 2013.

 - Board item
 - Elementary Integrated Curriculum Website

Walk to School Day
The Board passed a resolution proclaiming October 6 as Walk to School Day. Children, families, and community leaders are joining together nationally and internationally to walk children to school or to the bus stop on this day. Walking to school improves health, results in less traffic and pollution, and provides an opportunity to address bicycle and pedestrian safety.  The Board encouraged everyone to consider the safety of pedestrians and, in particular, student walkers every day.

National Disability Awareness Month
The Board and superintendent declared the month of October as National Disability Awareness Month in MCPS and encouraged staff in schools to sponsor activities in honor of its recognition. The school system recognizes the importance of embracing global attitudes, practices, and policies that promote successful educational and employment outcomes for students with disabilities. A disability mentoring day is planned locally for October 27 in partnership with Capital One Bank.

Maryland Family Engagement Month
The Board and superintendent declared the month of October to be Maryland Family Engagement Month. The Board passed a resolution encouraging families, staff, and community members to recognize the importance of parent involvement in improving student achievement and school performance. Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education, students have better attendance rates, increased motivation, higher grades, and a greater chance of attending college. All MCPS staff members are available to assist families with information and support. Parents can get their questions answered by using the new Parent Guide on the MCPS website, attending Ask MCPS Drop-in Coffees, participating in a Board Community Roundtable discussion, or calling the Ask MCPS call center.

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Montgomery County Board of Education: Ms. Patricia O’Neill, president; Mr. Christopher Barclay, vice president. Members: Ms. Laura Berthiaume, Ms. Shirley  Brandman, Dr. Judy Docca, Mr. Michael Durso, Mr. Phil Kauffman, and Mr. Alan Xie, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.
 
The Montgomery County Board of Education is the official educational policymaking body in the county. The Board is responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system. The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term. Board members are elected countywide but run at-large or from the Board district in which they reside.