PILLAR THREE: COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS (CCR)
The Blueprint ensures Maryland graduates are prepared for success in college and/or the workforce. The Blueprint requires schools to provide structures and plans for students who demonstrate the need for support.
How is Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) Implementing the Blueprint?
- WCPS Essential Curriculum provides teachers access to MSDE standards, assessments, and model unit plans developed by teachers and administrators.
- WCPS has adopted highly rated, content-rich instructional materials in literacy, aligned to Science of Reading, and mathematics to ensure a fully aligned instructional program.
- WCPS recently purchased Synergy Analytics and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure school staff can identify students with gaps in learning and create individualized plans to help support their learning.
- WCPS has interventions and supports included in the essential curriculum. All elementary students receive 90 minutes of instruction in English Language Arts and mathematics daily.
- WCPS has planned for students in grades 6-8 to receive 90 minutes of daily instruction in both English Language Arts and mathematics beginning in the 2023-24 school year.
- WCPS has established an estimated $800,000 in funding to cover dual enrollment costs for the 2022-23 school year through Hagerstown Community College (HCC) Partnership. Additional funding will be made available in future school years to increase access to this opportunity for all students.
- WCPS offers Advanced Placement® and dual credit opportunities in every high school, with new and expanded opportunities for the 2023-24 school year.
- WCPS continues to offer International Baccalaureate® Programming at North Hagerstown High School and Northern Middle School.
- WCPS continues to expand and refine CTE pathways.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Establishing curriculum frameworks, syllabi, and assessments that help students to achieve CCR status in English literacy and mathematics by the end of 10th grade.
- Providing interventions for students not on track to become CCR, beginning with students as early as Pre-Kindergarten.
- Providing staff with high-quality instructional materials and professional learning opportunities.
- Creating a rigorous Career and Technical Education (CTE) system as the primary credential that produces graduates ready and qualified to work within in-demand fields that will propel Maryland’s economic future.
- Providing students with access to several college and career pathways at no cost to the student. Pathways are flexible and allow students to develop in-depth knowledge of a subject area and earn postsecondary credits and industry credentials.