PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS >  BROWSE

Board of Education Discusses Grade 6-12 Common Core Standards and Budget Interests

September 27, 2011
The Board of Education met on Monday, September 26, 2011, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Carver Educational Services Center in Rockville, Maryland. Among other items, the Board gave preliminary approval to the secondary common core preliminary standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics and continued its discussion about the Board’s budget interests. The agenda can viewed on the MCPS website. Video of the meeting will be posted on the Board of Education’s website shortly.

Secondary Common Core Preliminary Standards

The Board gave preliminary approval to the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Secondary English Language Arts Curriculum Framework and the MCPS Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Framework, for grades 6-12. These frameworks fully incorporate the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The CCSS, approved by the State Board of Education for implementation in all 24 Maryland school districts, emphasize reasoning and require of MCPS a renewed emphasis on instruction that engages students in problem-solving and creative and critical thinking. The CCSS in English language arts/literacy also include anchor standards for literacy in science, history, social studies, and technical subjects—integrating literacy across content areas and reestablishing a shared responsibility for literacy instruction across subjects. Incorporating the CCSS in the MCPS Secondary English Language Arts Curriculum Framework and the MCPS Secondary Mathematics Curriculum Framework will enhance our existing curriculum by providing greater clarity, focus, and challenge as we strive to articulate what all students should know and be able to do in order to succeed in the future. These secondary curriculum frameworks are submitted pending analysis of additional stakeholder feedback and final approval at a future Board meeting. The elementary school standards aligned to the CCSS were previously approved by the Board. View the Board item and Frameworks

Discussion of Board of Education Budget Interests

The Board continued its discussion of the members’ interests for the FY 2013 budget and budgeting process. The discussion, which began at the Board’s September 13, 2011 meeting, is an effort to define the specific roles of the Board in the budgeting process and the specific areas the members hope to see addressed in the FY 2013 budget. Board members said they will also hear the priorities of the public during two “Community Conversations” events on the evenings of October 12 and October 27. For more information or to register to participate visit the Board of Education’s website. Superintendent of Schools Joshua P. Starr will submit an FY 2013 budget proposal to Board of Education in December.

Utilization of the FY 2012 Provision for Future Supported Projects

The Board appropriated funds from six different unanticipated grants for specific use within Montgomery County Public Schools. The six grants were received from:

•  Healthy Eating and Healthy Lifestyles Youth Initiative
•  Team Nutrition Refresh Project
•  Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) Passthrough, Part B
•  Educator Effectiveness Academy and Teacher Induction Academy
•  American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Earth Science
•  Maryland Model for School Readiness (MMSR)

For the information about how the grant money will be used, see the Board of Education item.

Resolutions

The Board of Education passed the following:
-  A resolution declaring Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011 as Walk to School Day
-  A resolution declaring the month of October as National Disability Awareness Month
-  A resolution declaring the month of October as Maryland Family Engagement Month

About the Board of Education

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.

Montgomery County Board of Education: Mr. Christopher S. Barclay, president; Ms. Shirley Brandman, vice president. Members: Ms. Laura Berthiaume, Dr. Judy Docca, Mr. Michael Durso, Mr. Phil Kauffman, Ms. Patricia O’Neill, and Mr. Alan Xie, student member. Dr. Joshua P. Starr, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.

<<Back to browse