BOE Receives Math Update

The Montgomery County Board of Education (BOE) met on Sept. 23 at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

Among other items, the Board received an update on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) mathematics program and made an administrative appointment. The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website. You can also watch video of the meeting by clicking here.

MCPS Mathematics Program

The Board received an oral report and held a discussion on the MCPS mathematics program, specifically around actions being taken in response to high failure rates on final exams in high schools. Dr. Christopher Garran, associate superintendent of high schools, updated the Board on specific supports and interventions that high schools will be providing to students who are struggling in mathematics. Each school is developing an intervention plan for their school and these plans will be reviewed and discussed collaboratively with central office staff.

The Board also heard a report about the work of the Mathematics Semester Exams Work Group, which is comprised of staff, parents, and community members. The work group will identify factors contributing to the performance of high school students on countywide semester exams. The group has met three times since July and has identified five areas for further study: alignment of the test and instruction; student placement and readiness; the purpose and weight of semester exams; student performance on formative assessments; and maximizing instructional time. The work group will continue to meet in the coming months and will develop a set of recommendations. Summaries of the meeting and relevant data has been posted to the MCPS website.

Administrative Appointment

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointment:

Ashley Vancleef, currently acting supervisor, Equity Assurance and Compliance Unit, as supervisor, Equity Assurance and Compliance Unit, Office of Special Education and Student Services

Other Action: The Board also took action on several items, including:

• Passed a resolution proclaiming October 9, 2013 as “Walk to School Day.”
• Passed a resolution declaring the month of October as National Disability Awareness Month in MCPS.
• Passed a resolution declaring the month of October as Maryland Family Engagement Month.

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