BCPS Focuses on Middle School Test Scores
Following less than stellar standardized test results, Baltimore County school officials are looking for new ways to improve middle school performance.
Specifically, plans to raise scores include a closer examination of the transition between elementary and middle schools, and an application of best school practices countywide.
"The (Maryland State Assessment) is just one data point," said Penelope Martin-Knox, assistant superintendent of middle schools. "While we have some things to be proud of, there is certainly work that needs to be done."
Results released by the Maryland State Department of Education last Tuesday revealed that Baltimore County middle schools performed several percentage points below the state average in both reading and math on the 2012 Maryland State Assessment. Middle school students across the state performed notably worse than elementary students.
State data further shows that middle schools traditionally lag behind elementary schools.
The assistant superintendent, who took over the helm of middle schools on April 18, cited child development—socially, physically and emotionaly—at the middle school stage as a critical factor in faltering test scores across the nation.
She added that test formats change drastically between elementary and middle schools.
"It's an ongoing process," Martin-Knox said. "Middle school is the time we move away from concrete thinking to abstract."
She said she is working with Superintendent S. Dallas Dance to make middle school education a priority. Dance affirmed this commitment at a Board of Education meeting following the release of the assessment results.
Martin-Knox previously served as the assistant to Edward Newsome, the former assistant superintendent of middle schools. Newsome is now working as the assistant superintendent of high schools.
Tracy Smith
1:14 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I think that the inherent over-crowding at Franklin Middle School specifically is a major factor in learning at that facility. Regardless of the dedication of the faculty, staff and students, there are just too many people in that facility. They continue to use trailers as classrooms, that while maintained, have been in continuous use since the 1970's. They skirt with student numbers that are just below fire code numbers (the number you can safely evacuate, not an adequate learning environment), and those numbers don't even take into account the number of teachers and staff. Much of the bullying issues at this school can also be attributed to the overcrowded hallways and lunchrooms.
Yet when BCPS built new schools in New Town, they only built an elementary and a high school...no middle school. When the chance to get some of the Rosewood land came up, they declined. Elementary and high schools continue to be built throughout the county, but the need for middle schools, at least in the northwest region, goes unmet. There are many elementary schools (Franklin; Reisterstown; Glyndon; Timbergrove; Cedarmere; much of Chatsworth's population; Owings Mills and probably others) that feed into Franklin Middle. Then Franklin Middle feeds into Franklin High, Owings Mills High and assorted magnet high schools.
Honestly, middle school is tough enough with puberty and a higher expected level of learning (changing classes, multiple teachers etc)...why allow overcrowding too?!?
JD1
11:01 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
One word - BORING!!!!! If we stopped focusing on test prep and really made middle school fun and engaging I guarantee things would improve. Kids would come to school, behave and achieve at high levels. The research is there - we just choose to ignore it because change takes time, leadership andnthe dedication of all stakeholders. We are teaching 6th graders the same way we are teaching 10th graders. Straight rows, listen to the teacher, fill out the worksheet. Want to see innovation? Google it - King Middle School Portland Maine. Been there - it's awesome. Challenging kids - awesome teachers - high achievement - out of the box solutions
Glen
1:30 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
"The assistant superintendent, who took over the helm of middle schools on April 18, cited child development—socially, physically and emotionaly—at the middle school stage as a critical factor in faltering test scores across the nation."
Was there any attempt to draw a line between the child development point and faltering test scores across the nation? It suggests a significant shift in development took place, as evidenced by test score declines. I would be curious how either point is defended, and would also like to see how BCPS middle school performance mirrors national performance.
Buzz Beeler
4:28 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Nayana, tell that to the governor. The state did not get a waiver on NCLB for nothing.