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Maryland public school systems are
poised to set another new record number for student enrollment, as the 2016-17
academic year gets underway.
By the time Worcester County Public
School System opens its doors on September 6, more than 880,000 K-12 students
are expected to fill classrooms and another 250,000 children will be involved
in some form of pre-kindergarten, Head Start, or licensed childcare
program.
 "Maryland schools are some of
the best in the nation, and this time of year is an exciting time for both
students and teachers," said Governor Larry Hogan. "We wish
Maryland's students, educators, and parents a safe, productive, and successful
school year."
Schools this fall begin the fourth
full year of implementation of the stronger academic standards designed to
better prepare students for both college and career.
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“Our goal is to provide students
with a foundation for what lies ahead, be it college or career,” said Dr. Karen B. Salmon, State Superintendent of
Schools. “We need Maryland high school
graduates to be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”
Enrollment in Maryland public
schools appears primed to surpass its record of 879,601 students, set last year. Maryland school enrollment has been steadily
increasing since 2009, when the student population stood at 843,861.
Maryland’s student population also
has experienced major demographic changes over the past 20 years. Maryland has educated a majority-minority
student population for a decade. White
students represent nearly 40 percent of the student population, followed by
African-American students, who make up 34 percent of the student population. Both the White and African-American student
populations have been in decline as a percentage of the student body in recent
years.
Hispanic students represent 15
percent of the student body, while Asian students account for approximately 6
percent. Percentages of Hispanic and
Asian students have been steadily rising.
Also increasing is the percentage of students identifying themselves as
two or more races, which is at 4 percent.
MSDE’s round-up of school openings
and closings can
be found on the MSDE website.
Students in Maryland’s 13 juvenile facilities
will soon have new educational tools at their fingertips.
MSDE is bringing 300 tablet devices to
Juvenile Services Education (JSE) classrooms, providing enhanced instruction
and support to students, as well as increasing student engagement in the
learning process. All students enrolled in JSE programs will have access to the
new technology.
JSE educators this month spent a week in
intensive professional development, getting introduced to the new educational
tools at their disposal. Staff from the Talbot County Public Schools
facilitated the training, as teachers and administrators learned how to use new
educational apps, create differentiated educational programs for students, and
develop group lessons.
“By improving student access to state-of-the-art
resources, we can accelerate student achievement and prepare students for a
successful transition to their community,” said Dr. Karen Salmon, State
Superintendent of Schools.
The JSE program within MSDE provides
educational services for youths detained and committed by the Maryland
Department of Juvenile Services. Students receive core instruction in
mathematics, English language arts, social studies, and science. Career Technology Education courses are also
offered, and GED preparation programs are provided. JSE serves approximately 550 youth on a daily
basis.
State Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Karen B. Salmon
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The first
day of school is one of my favorite days of the year. Each year, our teachers
and principals return to school, prepared to meet the educational needs of our
students. And, each fall, our students
arrive with all that energy.
I had the
opportunity to join Superintendent Dallas Dance at the first day of school in
Baltimore County last week, and followed that up two days later with a visit to
some Caroline County schools with Superintendent John Ewald. Both systems were well prepared for the
opening of the school year, and the student excitement was infectious.
Starting
the school year off on the right foot is no accident. I know the hard work that occurs each
summer, preparing for the coming year. It
has really paid off.
* * *
We are thrilled
to welcome Dr. Carol Williamson and Dr. Sylvia Lawson to our senior leadership
team. Dr.
Williamson will join MSDE next month as Deputy State Superintendent for
Teaching and Learning. Dr. Lawson is
already on board, joining the Department in July as Deputy State Superintendent
for School Effectiveness.
These dynamic educators are well
known to the Maryland education community.
Dr. Williamson has served as the Superintendent of the Queen Anne’s
County Public Schools since 2008. Prior
to becoming Superintendent, Dr. Williamson spent eight years as Associate
Superintendent and another eight years as Assistant Superintendent in Queen
Anne. She began her career in Dorchester
County, starting as a classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, curriculum
supervisor, and director of instruction over the course of more than 20 years. Dr. Williamson holds a bachelor’s degree from
Salisbury State College (now Salisbury University), a master’s from George
Washington University and a doctorate in education from the University of
Maryland-College Park.
Dr. Lawson joined MSDE from Charles
County, where she had served as Assistant Superintendent since 2013. She has spent nearly 30 years in Maryland
education, serving as a teacher, vice principal, and principal of schools in
Charles and Calvert Counties. Dr. Lawson
began her career as a teacher and coach in South Carolina. Dr. Lawson holds a bachelor’s degree from
Pfeiffer College, a master from East Carolina University, and a doctorate of
philosophy from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.
* * *
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1st Day of School - Maryland
Maryland Schools Superintendent Karen Salmon visits as schools open in Baltimore County August 24, 2016. She visits Loch Raven HS, Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, and Catonsville ES.
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JSE iPAD Initiative
Maryland's Juvenile Services Education hosts a week-long training session for teachers at its 13 schools. Led by educators from Talbot County using iPAD's, the goal is to infuse technology into the curriculum, and re-engage the students in learning.
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Maryland Teacher Leadership Summit
A group of Maryland teachers gathers at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis for the Maryland Teacher Leadership Summit. MSDE and USDE host, along with Powered by Teach to Lead.
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September 26 - State Board of Education Work Session, Baltimore
September 27 - State Board of Education Meeting, Baltimore
October 20 - ESSA External Stakeholder Committee Meeting, Baltimore
New State Superintendent Talks Education
WBAL-TV
Harford’s First Day of School
Aegis
Back to School Sneaker Drive in Dorchester
Dorchester Banner
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