The Blueprint Quarterly
August, 2024
Welcome to the Fall Newsletter!
Hello! My name is Dr. Sarah Sirgo and I am the Chief of Staff and Blueprint Implementation Coordinator for FCPS! Welcome to the 4th issue of The Blueprint Quarterly--a communication tool dedicated to providing our students, staff, families, and community members up to date information about the Frederick County Public Schools Blueprint implementation. We have been busy at work over the last quarter, and this issue takes a closer look at what we have been pursuing. Included is information on:
- Recent MSDE Blueprint Meeting
- Our Revised Steering Committee Structure
- Pillar 3 Committee Lead Spotlight
- Blueprint Spotlight
- Announcements and Resources
Thank you for taking time to read on and hear more about the tremendous efforts of our team!
The MSBE and AIB met jointly on June 25
Items discussed included:
Aligned Metrics Review - Dr. Collins, Ms. Hise, and Dr. Sanderson presented a review and update regarding the alignment of metrics proposed by the Governor’s office, MSDE, and AIB. The overarching goal is for Maryland to achieve a Top 10 ranking for literacy and mathematics in NAEP state comparisons. This goal has been discussed but not formally adopted.
Update on Literacy Initiatives (Information Only) - The 5 key areas of priority in literacy for SY24-25 are: standards and policies, professional learning, literacy coaching, evidence-based literacy instruction, and high-quality instructional materials. MSDE will be launching a literacy media campaign for all stakeholders to emphasize the importance of literacy. Science of Reading professional learning opportunities will be provided for teachers across Maryland.
LEA Blueprint Implementation Plan Update (Information Only) - MSDE/AIB staff used a combined review process to review and provide feedback on local implementation plan submissions.
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Supports (Information Only) - The MSBE adopted a new CCR standard in January 2024, and LEAs must develop supports for students who are not CCR by the end of grade 10 so that they will be CCR by time of graduation. Supports will be rolled out in phases. CTE programs will be redesigned to support innovative scheduling options, apprenticeship participation, and post-secondary credit opportunities for career clusters.
Community of Practice Meetings
These are a series of meetings intended to be brainstorming sessions and level setting structures for all LEAs around resource allocation. FCPS has been assigned Augenblick, Palaich and Associates (APA), as a strategic partner, to assist with implementation and resource allocation. FCPS has identified some areas where APA could be helpful, including performing an allocation audit, creating a strategic resource decision guide, and creating materials for stakeholder communication. The tiered staffing model will also be reviewed and the study team will create a guide on strategic resource decisions, focusing on how funding impacts resource allocations, increasing enrollment, and capital and staffing needs. This important work is grant funded as part of the Resource Allocation Technical Assistance Grant Program.
FCPS Blueprint Implementation Plan: Part I and Part II
FCPS' 2024 Blueprint Implementation Plan, including revisions requested from the AIB and MSDE, has been reviewed by both groups and meets the Criteria for Success. This exciting milestone is currently limited to only a few LEAs, and is a real testament to the coordination, commitment, and discipline the FCPS team has demonstrated in pursuit of the Blueprint goals. Read all the AIB feedback here.
Meeting Highlights
The Blueprint Steering Committee met on August 12, 2024. Among the items discussed was a review of our steering committee structure. Based on the feedback of stakeholders and staff leading the work for each pillar, we have revised our approach from being organized by pillar, to being organized by bodies of work. In addition, we shifted from pillars to 4 renamed groups:
Group 1: The Learning Journey (Combined Pillars 1 and 3)
Group 2: Employee Support and Development (Pillar 2)
Group 3: Student, School and Community Engagement (Pillars 1, 3, and 4)
Group 4: Strategic Oversight, Funding, and Resource Allocation (Pillar 5)
Group 1: The Learning Journey
Early Childhood Expansion
Support the strategic expansion of PreK, with a focus on facilities and service to students with disabilities, learning English, or living in poverty
Judy Center expansion and kindergarten readiness.
PreK-12 Learning Outcomes & Opportunities
Submission and Implementation of Comprehensive Literacy and Math Plans, Expert Review Team visits
Post-CCR Pathways, expansion of CTE, Career Coaches. Dual Enrollment, and AP/IB
Support Pathways
Group 2: Employee Support and Development
Employee Support
Teacher and administrator Career Ladder
Teacher and Instructional Time (60/40)
Employee Development
National Board Certification
Peer Assistance and Review Model
Group 3: Student, School, and Community Support & Engagement
Foster engagement with stakeholders, including parents, students, and community organizations around the Blueprint work.
Examination of the design and delivery of behavioral and mental health supports, community schools, and services to vulnerable student populations.
Focus on multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students with unique needs.
Group 4: Strategic Oversight, Funding and Resource Allocation
Advise on the allocation of funding to ensure equitable distribution. Provide feedback and guidance to support short and long term resource distribution.
Work directly with our CFO and Budget team, as part of the engagement with our AIB strategic facilitator.
Monitor and evaluate the implementation progress of the Blueprint and ensure all reporting requirements are met.
Provide recommendations on policy adjustments to support Blueprint goals.
Scott Murphy, Director of Curriculum Instruction and Innovation, Co-Chair of Pillar 3
As a director in curriculum and instruction, Scott oversees all academic areas and instructional programs that support each student’s learning journey towards college and career readiness. As a former middle and high school principal, Director of College and Career Readiness in another school district, and current FCPS parent, Scott is committed to ensuring that each student has access to personalized pathways that that promote academic success, personal interests and growth, and opportunities that help them thrive in college, careers, and life.
With school-based and district-level administrative experience for 25 years, Scott has consistently led efforts to: ensure rigorous, high quality instructional programming for all students, expand access for PreK to grade12 students to college and career pathways such as dual enrollment, early college, AP/IB programs, and career programs; engage students in well-rounded curriculum and programs matched to their individual interests and future goals; and implement support systems that help keep students on track and get them the help they need at every step of the way.
Scott and the Pillar 3 CCR team are continuing this work with their Blueprint efforts, currently focused on adoption of high quality instructional materials (HQIM) in literacy and math; Algebra readiness; dual enrollment program adjustments; expansion of career and technical education and work-based learning; Advanced Placement (AP) pathways; and ongoing work with early warning systems and support pathways/tutoring.
As an FCPS parent, lifelong Frederick County resident, and graduate of Frederick High School, Scott is committed to continuing to provide leadership to all things on the learning journey to CCR, so that all students are prepared to thrive in life after high school.
Pillar 3 - Dual Enrollment
Frederick County is a leader in the state of Maryland for Career and College Readiness Pathways in Dual Enrollment! With over 3,500 students participating in the program this school year, you may be wondering about the program that more than 60% of FCPS students try before graduation.
Dual Enrollment refers to anytime a high school student is also enrolled at an institute of higher education. Enrolling in a college course will provide students with the exposure to experiences and information necessary for making informed decisions when selecting a college or career. Through a partnership with Frederick Community College (FCC), students can engage in most dual enrollment options at no, or significantly reduced, cost including High School Based, Open Campus, Career Pathways, and Early College at FCC:
High School Based: High school students in this program take FCC courses at their high school or the Career and Technology Center during the regular school day. These are college level, credit-bearing courses taught by FCPS teachers serving as adjunct professors. Currently, more than 100 FCPS teachers also serve as adjunct professors in this program! Best of all, high school based classes are free for all students.
Open Campus: High school students complete a college course on the college campus or through the college’s online program. The course may be during or outside of the school day and courses are taught by college faculty. FCPS students may participate in up to four Open Campus classes with FCC for no tuition cost. Students may be approved to participate in more classes at FCC or programs with other institutes of higher education, however these programs may have costs associated with participation.
Career Pathways: High school students in this program explore career options and earn industry certifications or credentials by following a specific career track and taking courses either at their high school, on the FCC main campus, or at the FCC Monroe Center. The goal of Career Pathways students is to earn an industry certification or credential either before or shortly after high school graduation.
Early College at FCC: High school students in the Early College program at FCC have the opportunity to earn an associate degree while completing high school by attending FCC full-time during their junior and senior years. Similar to traditional full-time undergraduate students, Early College students follow the FCC academic calendar and have the option to take day, evening, online, and weekend courses. Schedules are developed with the Early College Coordinator at FCC. Students must apply for admission to the Early College in the Spring of their 10th grade year and have more than half the costs of their degree fully covered by FCPS. Last year, 25 students earned their college degrees along with their high school diplomas, but the program is growing rapidly. Currently, 119 juniors and seniors are enrolled in the Early College program, on track to graduate with their associate degree!
For more information, see the joint FCC-FCPS website about Dual Enrollment. https://www.frederick.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment.aspx. Also see this FAQ for additional program updates from FCPS.
There are now six episodes of the Blueprint Unlocked Podcast available on YouTube. Join Dr. Sarah Sirgo, Chief of Staff and Blueprint Implementation Coordinator, along with her panel of special guests, as they discuss FCPS' progress and development of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
Check these resources and all others at www.fcps.org/Blueprint and click on "Stakeholder Resources"
Maryland Matters
Strong Schools Maryland Touring State to Talk Blueprint Staff from SSM hope to visit all MD counties by summers end to talk about the Blueprint plan with residents at local events.
Maryland Could Join Other States to Retain Low Reading Proficiency 3rd Graders Proposed policy includes reading intervention program for identified students in grades K - 3.
MSDE and AIB Approve 'Ambitious' Goals for Student Test Scores, Absenteeism, Teacher Diversity Also reviewed updates on Blueprint plans
Low Pay Cited at US Senate Hearing Regarding Teacher Shortage Maryland's call for a $60K minimum teacher salary cited in hearing.
Blueprint Blues: LEAs Cite Plan's Progress, Problems Data shared from all districts.
Three BIG Ways to Strengthen the Blueprint Commentary
Maryland State Department of Education
Dr. Carey M. Wright Starts Full Term as State Superintendent of Schools Improved literacy outcomes, better accountability models and implementing the Blueprint are top priorities
Learn more about Maryland's Blueprint legislation with these links to resources, reports, and research.
Send us your thoughts on the FCPS implementation of the Blueprint by clicking on one or more of the links to share thoughts on the Blueprint pillar areas of focus. The responses to any of the following will be reported back to FCPS staff directly.
- Pillar 1: Early Childhood (Pre-K expansion, Kindergarten Readiness, Judy Centers) Pillar 1 Reflections
- Pillar 2: Elevating Educators (Career Ladder, Diversity Recruitment and Retention, Talent Pathways) Pillar 2 Reflections
- Pillar 3: North Star (College & Career Readiness, Post-CRR Pathways, Support Pathways, Career Coaching, High-Quality Curriculum) Pillar 3 Reflections
- Pillar 4: Student Supports (Behavioral and mental health, Special Education, English language learners, Students experiencing homelessness, Communities experiencing poverty, Community Schools) Pillar 4 Reflections
You are also welcome to email us directly by clicking the box below.