On the same week that education went front and center in the national spotlight, Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) superintendent James Richmond and Judy Estep, Director of the Division of Instruction, presented their 2011-2012 Master Plan during Tuesday’s Charles County Commissioners’ Meeting. Much of the plan focuses on new Race to the Top (RTTT) initiatives.
Estep said the main goals were to get students more proficient in reading and math and developing great teachers. The county is already in the process of upgrading data systems to support instruction. One main goal in RTTT is turning around underachieving schools, a problem Charles County does not face.
Right now, the County is setting standards to align with the statewide Common Core Standards. With an added emphasis on math and reading, it is reading and math resource teachers and department chairs in the system that will participate in that. Estep said seven other counties were participating in the RTTT pilot program in the State of Maryland.
One of the key provisions of RTTT is the changes in how teachers are trained and evaluated. New training and mentoring programs have been adopted by CCPS and new requirements are now in place for teachers seeking employment with CCPS.
CCPS is also expanding family engagement. Each school’s website now has a parent portal where handbooks can be viewed. MSA and HAS scores are mailed to parents along with interims and report cards.
A new program was introduced last year. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program engages students early on. In elementary school, LEGO League Robotics and We-Do-Robotics are now used in the classroom. Middle schools use Gateway to Technology and more advanced robotics programs. High schools also use advanced robotics programs and even rocketry clubs.
This year, as part of STEM, the Robert D. Stethem Aerospace Academy Program will be developed
