The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Baltimore City Public Schools have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to improve failing schools in the district. The MOU outlines the state’s plan to improve twenty-seven low-performing schools across the state, twenty-four of which are located in Baltimore City.
According to The Baltimore Sun,
“The key to everything is implementation,” Santelises said. “But what’s promising is that the [memorandum of understanding] really shows an effort on the state’s part to partner with Baltimore City public schools.”
The state has agreed to send leadership coaches to work one-on-one with principals in targeted schools on strategies for improvement. Other school officials, including assistant principals and some teachers, will also participate in programs aimed at stemming high turnover in underperforming schools.
As part of the agreement, the city has committed to reducing the number of school leaders who leave the city.
State officials plan to make regular visits to the twenty-seven priority schools to assess progress and make recommendations for improvement.
The Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, known as the Kirwan Commission because it is chaired by former University System Chancellor Brit Kirwan, is considering many recommendations centering around teacher preparation and teacher incentives. At its most recent meeting, the Commission discussed leadership training and career lattices for teachers and principals across the state.
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