Academic Vigor
When we think of school, we think academics.
MCPS must get back to the business of learning.
Invest in Student Achievement
MCPS’ current environment is not conducive to learning because students are not getting what they need: class sizes are too big; there are not enough teachers and staff; there is violence, hate and drugs in the halls and classrooms; and there is insufficient social emotional health support. Rather than appropriately address the underlying problems, students’ academic standards and expectations were simply relaxed–setting our children up for failure. Our children need guidance and support, not coddling.
Our children can achieve in spite of school, family and community challenges if we guide them appropriately. We encourage healthy growth and resilience in our kids when we set and enforce clear and high standards and expectations; provide proper support and guidance; and encourage them to work through hard things.
Support Schools, Students & Staff
All MCPS students deserve support to achieve their educational goals. Fully staffed schools equipped with evidence-based curricula and properly supplied classrooms provide students with the tools and environment they need to achieve. MCPS must also be accessible to students and families of all mobilities and learning styles. All students do not achieve at the same rate or by the same method nor do they have the same goals. Students need to be met where they are and shown a practical path forward.
Families need consistent, clear access to information and resources to support their students at home and stay tuned in to what is happening in their schools. Staff must receive practical, evidence-based professional development and support to enforce school safety rules.
Equitable Support of Extracurricular Opportunities
Rates of student absenteeism, misbehavior, drug use and mental health challenges are skyrocketing. Students need to feel like they belong. Students at all schools need options beyond Math and English Language Arts to not only feel and stay motivated and energized but to feel like they belong in MCPS. MCPS’ piece-meal approach, wherein only some schools have options like Theatre or after school STEM club with bus transport while others do not, is not equitable.
MCPS must increase partnerships with local businesses and organizations so that students at all schools can access extra-curriculars like safe, well-stocked workout rooms, internships and cultural arts opportunities like Theatre and Band.
