What’s the Deal with Maryland Schools?

As the state starts to reopen, many are wondering what will happen with public schools in the fall. Here, Conduit Street breaks down the process ahead, including the federal, state, and local roles in reopening schools, and possible paths forward. The swift and sudden shock of the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our healthcare system, economy, social structures, and everyday way of life. Schools are no exception. Across Maryland, local education agencies (LEAs) are formulating…

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Prince George’s Partners with Amazon to Fund Elementary Computer Science

Prince George's County is teaming up with Amazon to fund elementary computer science at 132 elementary schools, according to an announcement made by the school system on Tuesday. Amazon Future Engineer, a childhood-to-career program aimed at increasing access to computer science education, is partnering with nonprofit professional development provider BootUp to provide more than 49,000 students from underrepresented communities. From WTOP: “We are proud to once again partner with Amazon to increase access to STEM…

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U.S. Census Bureau Provides Educational Toolkits for Children

The United States Census Bureau's Statistics in Schools (SIS) program recently released caregiver toolkits that provide engaging educational activities for students. The four toolkits are geared toward learners from pre-K to high school, with videos, map assignments, and other age-appropriate activities to keep students engaged while learning at home. From the U.S. Census Bureau's press release: “The Statistics in Schools program has always been focused on providing additional resources to make learning about statistics and…

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Chesapeake Bay Foundation Launches Remote Education Series

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) recently launched a new online series for students, teachers and parents, as an educational resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has always been a champion of outside learning, but restrictions related to the coronavirus have forced them to cancel educational field experiences and close outdoor recreations centers across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In an effort to continue educating children and adults about the bay, CBF has created…

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Statistics In Schools Program Launched Ahead of 2020 Census

The United States Census Bureau's Statistics in Schools program aims to raise awareness around the role of schools in acquiring accurate community census counts. The program includes 67 activities that focus on math, statics and data analysis for children. The program also focuses on English Language Learner adults and children. From the Census Bureau: Overview Statistics in Schools provides more than 100 activities that you can use in any year—and whenever you have a new…

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Breaking Down the Blueprint: School Funding in Focus

Obviously, The Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission) is a big deal right now. With recommendations from the Funding Formula Workgroup finalized and the full Commission's last scheduled meeting creeping up later this month, there is no better time to join MACo's Winter Conference Session, Breaking Down the Blueprint: School Funding in Focus during #MACoCon. Join our panelists in deep diving into exactly what this whole Commission is about and what it…

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Farm Credit Partners with National Farm to School Network

October of National Farm-to-School Month, and MACo Winter Conference sponsor Farm Credit is partnering with the National Farm to School Network (NFSN) to close the gap between students and the food that they eat through local food procurement and farm and garden education. From Farm Credit's Blog: Sam Ullery, school garden specialist for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Washington, D.C., visits schools across the nation’s capital that are interested in…

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Commissioner Wilson Tapped to Serve on Education Commission

Queen Anne's County Commissioner Jack Wilson has been appointed to serve as MACo's representative on the State's Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. His appointment would replace former member Bill Valentine, who no longer serves as an Allegany County Commissioner. Commissioner Wilson is vice-chair of MACo’s Education Subcommittee, and chairs MACo’s Rural Counties Coalition. He has served as a productive member of MACo’s Legislative Committee, and Board of Directors. We are confident that Commissioner…

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Worcester Seeking School Construction Alternatives

At the heart of a long story is the difficulty of high-cost school construction projects. A recent article in OC Today shares an update on the construction of a replacement elementary school in Worcester County. Through the story of one school's project approval process, the OC Today article also gives insight into school construction cost drivers in Worcester County. The story begins with a budget proposal delivered by the schools to Worcester County Commissioners for a…

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Maryland Community Colleges See 20% Increase in Dual Enrollment

The Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) announced this week that significantly more Maryland high school students are earning college credit before graduating high school. Dual enrollments at community colleges jumped 20% in fall 2014 compared to the prior year. Dual enrollment programs allow students to simultaneously enroll in high school and college. “Saving time and money is just part of what dual enrollment is all about,” said Dr. Bernie Sadusky, Executive Director of MACC. “Dually…

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