MCPS Student Achievement Team

1. MCPS Student Achievement Team Students First: Looking to the Future School Board Update February 15, 2011

2. Student Achievement Team Members

3. A Message from Brenda Blackburn Click here to play video.

4. MCPS Mission The mission of Montgomery County Public Schools is to be a community of excellence that develops each student’s full potential to be a lifelong learner and a productive global citizen.

5. MCPS Vision MCPS values a high-performing learning culture that places “Students First” by: • Cultivating positive relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and open communication among all stakeholders; • Holding highexpectationsforachievement and accountability through effective practices which actively engage students and staff and instill enthusiasm for learning and teaching; • Sustaining a nurturingenvironment that ensures the physical safety and emotional well-being of all individuals within the learning community; and • Valuing continuouslearning and providing growth opportunities for staff, students, and members of the community.

6. Charges from the Superintendent • Analyze testing data in reading and math to target our achievement gaps. • Compare MCPS to Other Districts in Virginia: Region VI; districts with demographics similar to MCPS; the highest performing districts in Virginia (especially those making AYP). • Learn from other school districts that are having success in closing the gaps and meeting AYP. • Identify the data we need to guide our improvement efforts. • Review the research regarding the practices of school districts that are successfully closing the gaps. • Measure our progress: reduce the failure rates for all subgroups. • Close the gaps!

7. Progress Principals’ Vertical Strand Meetings • Discussing data and ways to support students and staff • Looking at practices to increase graduation rates Principal-Student-Parent Meetings • Developing awareness of specific expectations and SOL requirements • Analyzing student supports: - School - Home • Strengthening personal connections

8. Progress Learning from Other School Divisions • Areas of Interest - Remediation for Struggling Students - Special Education - Instructional Strategies/Initiatives - District-Level Procedures • Henry County – December/January • Augusta County, Bedford County, Martinsville City, Patrick County, Warren County

9. What We Took With Us: Multiple Perspectives • District • School • Elementary • Secondary • General Education • Special Education • RTI What We Brought Back: MCPS is on the Right Track • Focus on Student Learning • Relationships • Structures • Curriculum Alignment • Professional Development • Data-Based Decision Making

10. Student Learning Base decisions on multiple data sources. Demographics Perceptions School Process

11. Data Literacy • What is literacy? “Having the knowledge and skills to function effectively within a particular context.” • What is data literacy? “The ability to interpret and use multiple data sources effectively to improve teaching and learning.” ‐ Nancy Love Using Data to Improve Learning for All: A Collaborative Inquiry Approach • Why do we need to be data literate?

12. Source: Jennifer Morrison, ASCD 2010

13. Source: Jennifer Morrison, ASCD 2010

14. Looking to the Future The MCPS Student Achievement Team is working to maintain our district-wide focus on student achievement, build upon what we are already doing well, and provide direction for our future work to keep Students First.