The Blueprint Quarterly

In this issue, we highlight some initiatives and progress that support Pillar 2 and help shape the future of education across Maryland and FCPS. Our spotlight is on the great work being done by our Talent Acquisition and Retention Partner, Toya Newman-Piermarini. A key part of this work is Maryland's Grow Your Own Educator Initiative, which helps build a strong pipeline of future teachers from current individuals interested in pursuing careers in education. And from the AIB, our part in the Maryland Student Progress Highlights report is very encouraging!

Also in this issue, we invite you to share your thoughts on our Blueprint work. We would love to hear from you!

Maryland’s latest student achievement results show steady progress since implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is helping lead the way!

The 2025–2026 MCAP results show continued statewide gains in literacy and mathematics, while chronic absenteeism has declined significantly. Frederick County is among the Maryland school systems recognized nationally as a “District on the Rise” for growth in both reading and mathematics.

FCPS students continue to perform above state averages, reflecting the district’s ongoing focus on high-quality instruction, student support, and college and career readiness. These efforts closely align with the Blueprint’s goals of improving outcomes for all students and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

While these results are encouraging, FCPS continues to focus on closing achievement gaps and accelerating progress for every student. Through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), high-quality instructional materials, evidence-based practices, and ongoing professional learning and coaching, FCPS is building on this momentum.

The message is clear: Maryland is making progress, and Frederick County is helping drive that progress forward! Click below to review the data.

I have been part of Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) for 22 years, including 19 years as a classroom teacher serving students in kindergarten through third grade and in intervention settings. Throughout my teaching career, I held various school-based leadership positions that allowed me to support instructional improvement, teacher development, and student success. My experiences as a teacher and school leader continue to shape my work as a Talent Acquisition and Retention Partner.

In my current role, I support Pillar 2 and the Grow Your Own initiative by helping develop talent pipelines and creating pathways into the teaching profession. I collaborate with the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) teacher to encourage students to explore teaching as a career. I also partner with career coaches in middle and high schools to discuss the teaching profession with students and work with Child Development classes to share information about becoming a teacher and the pathways available to enter the profession.

Supporting current FCPS employees who aspire to become teachers is another important part of my work. Through the Grow Your Own programs, I help support staff identify pathways to teacher licensure and opportunities to advance their careers in education. I also work with interns placed in our partner schools to share information about the FCPS hiring process, application requirements, and steps toward employment. Additionally, I coordinate FCPS's Becoming an Educator Night, bringing together Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), FCPS departments, and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to share information with staff and community members about teacher licensure, educator preparation programs, and the different pathways into the profession. I also participate in IHE collaboration meetings to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for aspiring educators.

The acceptance of 20 Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) students from the CTC into the Maryland Teacher Pathway Project (MDTPP) Merit Scholar Program, highlights FCPS's continued commitment to the Blueprint. Designed to encourage and support high school students pursuing careers in education, MDTPP helps strengthen Maryland's pipeline of future teachers. Selected students will recieve a $500 stipend each semester, totaling $1,000 for the school year, while completing program requirements and participating in the Education Career Pathway. By providing aspiring educators with career-connected learning experiences, professional preparation, and financial incentives, this initiative supports Pillar 2: High-Qulity and Diverse Teachers and Leaders, while advancing Pillar 3: College and Career Readiness through meaningful career exploration.

Through their TAM coursework and field experiences, students will gain valuable professional preparation, develop essential skills, and explore that it takes to become successful educators. These students represent an investment in Maryland's future educator workforce and an important step toward developing the next generation of teachers. Congratulations on this exciting opportunity and the commitment to a future in education!

Teacher Leadership: The Next Step in the Career Ladder

FCPS is preparing for the next phase of Maryland’s Blueprint teacher career ladder: Level 4 leadership opportunities. These roles are intended to give accomplished educators opportunities to share their expertise, support colleagues, and strengthen instruction while maintaining a close connection to classrooms. Planning includes a potential pilot at up to 3 schools, one elementary, middle, and high school during the 2027–28 school year. Applications for the level 4 pool are limited to National Board Certified (NBC) teachers who have completed the required FCPS Teacher Leadership Microcredential. As the work progresses, FCPS will share more about the proposed roles and how they will support teaching and learning.

A Strong Start: Preparing for the Next Year of Pre-K

High-quality early learning is a cornerstone of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. FCPS continues to strengthen its prekindergarten programs through attention to staff qualifications, instructional quality, and collaboration with community early childhood providers. As planning moves forward for the next school year, families should watch for updated information about eligibility, application timelines, and enrollment opportunities. This work supports a shared goal: helping children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive.

From High School to What Comes Next

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future emphasizes preparing every student for success after high school. FCPS continues to connect college and career readiness with opportunities for students to explore their interests, build skills, and plan their next steps. As course selection approaches, families can explore dual enrollment, career and technical education, and other pathways with their school’s counseling team. Understanding these options early can help students make course choices that support their goals for college, careers, and continued learning.

Looking Ahead: Blueprint and the Budget

As FCPS develops its next annual budget, Blueprint implementation remains an important part of planning. The work requires balancing state requirements, student needs, staffing, and available resources. Throughout the budget process, FCPS will communicate proposed investments and the decisions needed to sustain progress. Community members can stay engaged through budget updates, Board of Education discussions, and opportunities for public comment.

Changes could be coming to Blueprint education plan - The AIB could propose changes amid another potential budget shortfall next year.

'We would like to slow down to go fast' - State delays math instruction requirement.

School officials celebrate drop in chronic absenteeism - still shy of goal.

State Superintendent Announces 4-Year Decline in Chronic Absenteeism Rate - reflects significant progress in getting students back into Maryland classrooms.

New Income Guidelines Announced for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals - Guidelines, updated annually by the federal government, were adopted by MSDE through June 30, 2027.

We want to hear your thoughts on the FCPS implementation of the Blueprint. How are we doing? Please click on one or more of the links below 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 ( Behaviroal 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 at the link in the box below.

Looking for a helpful tip, important update, or something you may have missed? Take a look back at previous issues of the Quarterly! Each one is filled with information, updates, and resources to keep you informed and connected, as we journey along the path of the Blueprint.