Washington County Public Schools, Maryland
From Sunshine Review
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Contents |
[edit] Website evaluation
- Main article: Evaluation of Maryland school district websites
[edit] The good
- Detailed information on Washington County's academic performance[1]
- Board members meetings, agendas, minutes and master plan posted[2]
[edit] The bad
- Vendor contracts not posted
- Only partial budget information available
[edit] Board of education
The Elected Board of Education is made up of seven elected members who serve four-year terms. The Board of Education of Washington County has a Student Representative to the Board who is elected by the membership of the Association of Student Councils for a one-year term.[3]
The Board:[3]
- Establishes a vision for the community’s schools and participate in strategic planning.
- Develops effective policies and review them periodically.
- Provides accountability to the community on student achievement.
- Advocates for the needs of all students at the local, state, and national levels.
- Attends several meetings per month (20+hours per week).
- Hires Superintendent and negotiate contract.
- Evaluates the Superintendent annually.
- Conducts student and employee appeals.
- Approves or reject program proposals.
- Develops, approve, and manage budget.
- Adopts school calendar.
Below is a list of current board members:[4]
| Member | Term |
|---|---|
| Wayne D. Ridenour, President | 2012 |
| Ruth Anne Callaham, Vice-President | 2010 |
| Paul W. Bailey | 2010 |
| Donna Brightman | 2012 |
| W. Edward Forrest | 2012 |
| Justin Hartings | 2012 |
| William H. Staley | 2010 |
| Chelsey Baturin, Student Member | 2010 |
[edit] Teacher contracts
[edit] School budget
[edit] Academic performance
Maryland measures academic progress each year by administering the Maryland School Assessment, the Alternate Maryland School Assessment (for students with disabilities), and the Maryland High School Assessments.[5]
[edit] HSA performance
The chart below details the percentage passing the following subjects:[6]
| Grade | Overall | Algebra | Biology | English | Government |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 12 | % | % | % | % | % |
| Grade 11 | % | % | % | % | % |
| Grade 10 | % | % | % | % | % |
[edit] MSA performance
The chart below details the percentage passing the following subjects:[6]
| Grade | Math | Reading | Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 8 | % | % | % |
| Grade 7 | % | % | - |
| Grade 6 | % | % | - |
| Grade 5 | % | % | % |
| Grade 4 | % | % | - |
| Grade 3 | % | % | - |
[edit] Unions
A 2008-2011 agreement exists between the Board of Education of Washington county ad the Washington County Teacher's Association. Terms include, management rights, working conditions, salaries and fringe benefits.[7]The Washington County Teacher's Association is an affiliate of the Maryland State Education Association and National Education Association.
[edit] School choice
The Washington County Public School system offers a number of magnet and speciality schools in the district.[8]
The magnet program model features classes for academically gifted students in grades 2, 3, 4 and 5, as well as enrichment activities that benefit all children at the school. Programs are available at 3 WCPS middle schools too: Boonsboro Magnet Middle School for World Languages and Global Communication, E. Russell Hicks Magnet Middle School for Media, Technology, Humanities & Communications and Springfield Magnet Middle School for Math, Science and Technology.[8]
The selection process includes student interview, group simulation, parent questionnaire and a review of academic achievement and standardized test scores.[8]
Magnet schools:
Specialty Schools:
- Claud Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview
- Job Development Program
- Marshall Street School
- Robinwood Early Childhood Center
- Planetarium
[edit] External links
- Washington County Public Schools Official Website
- Maryland State Department of Education
- Washington County Teacher's Association Official Website
[edit] References
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