Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is ramping up efforts to enhance teacher training and student support as it prepares for the upcoming school year. During a recent government meeting, Dr. Keisha Logan, Director of Curriculum Development and Instruction, outlined key strategies aimed at improving educational outcomes, particularly in mathematics.

Dr. Logan emphasized the importance of professional learning for teachers, focusing on deepening their understanding of mathematics. "We want our teachers to deeply know the math so that they're very confident when they go in," she stated. This approach aims to equip educators with the skills to anticipate various student problem-solving methods, fostering a more engaging learning environment.

A significant tool in this initiative is the IXL platform, which has gained positive feedback from families. This online resource allows students to practice math at their individual levels, both at home and in the classroom, while providing teachers with insights into student progress. "It has been a game changer in our family," one parent noted, highlighting its effectiveness in bridging the technology gap.

The meeting also addressed performance variability among schools, particularly concerning different ethnic groups. Dr. Logan acknowledged that some schools are outperforming others, despite serving similar demographics. This insight has prompted MCPS to encourage collaboration among schools to share successful practices and improve overall student engagement.

Looking ahead, MCPS is strategically connecting out-of-school programs to classroom learning, with a focus on third graders and other areas needing support. This multi-office approach aims to tailor assistance based on specific school needs, integrating resources from curriculum development to technology.

As MCPS develops its strategic plan for the 2024-2025 school year, the focus will be on setting realistic goals for improvement. Dr. Logan noted that the data from the previous year will serve as a baseline for measuring success moving forward. With these initiatives, MCPS is poised to make significant strides in enhancing educational experiences for its students.