In a recent meeting focused on school improvement strategies, representatives from Charles County Public Schools outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing academic performance and reducing classroom disruptions. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Office of School Administration and Leadership and the Office of Teaching and Learning, which began in June with professional learning teams reviewing their schools' visions and missions.

Central to the discussion was the concept of collective efficacy, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust among all stakeholders to foster a belief that every student can succeed. Teams analyzed data from I Ready and MCAP assessments, identifying that 46% of students are performing two or more grade levels below in reading and mathematics. Additionally, behavioral issues were noted, with 62% of referrals last year attributed to disruption and disrespect.

The school improvement plan includes setting specific, measurable goals, with a target of increasing the percentage of students performing proficiently or above on the ELA MCAP by 10%. To achieve this, the school has implemented weekly lesson overviews to enhance standards-based instruction and student engagement, aiming to decrease disruptions and improve content mastery.

The meeting also addressed the role of parents in the school improvement process. Efforts to engage parents have included regular newsletters and community outreach events, such as parent-student lunches, to foster communication and collaboration. The administration emphasized the importance of building relationships with students and parents to create a supportive learning environment.

As the school year progresses, the focus will remain on monitoring progress through various assessments and adapting strategies as needed. The commitment to transparency and continuous improvement was underscored, with school leaders acknowledging the challenges ahead but expressing optimism about the potential for positive change.