CELEBRATING AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

CELEBRATING AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK (November 14-20)

A MESSAGE FROM NANCY S. GRASMICK, STATE SUPERINTENDENT

MARYLAND’S EDUCATION:

PREPARING ALL STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE, CAREER, AND LIFE

Maryland’s education is on the cusp of metamorphosing once again into yet an even stronger system; giving every public school student an opportunity to realize academic success that will better prepare them for college, career, and life.As we celebrate the 89th annual American Education Week (November 14-20), we highlight the importance of providing every child in America with a quality public education.

In Maryland, we have achieved success on the national level – a feat that makes us tremendously proud. It was the hard work of our students, educators, and leadership that saw Maryland achieve a number one national ranking two years straight for our overall education system, for our Advanced Placement performance, and for having the most rigorous high schools. Now, as we take a glimpse into the future, we know we have to offer an education system that raises the education floor and provides every student with a world class education.

In August, Maryland was one of nine states and the District of Columbia to receive a Race to the Top (RTTT) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. We are thrilled that Maryland received $250 million to continue building upon its already solid record of school reform. So, what exactly does that mean?

It means Maryland will adopt new Common Core State Standards, Curriculum, and Assessments to ensure students – kindergarten through grade 12 – have the knowledge and skills for global competition and success in college and the world of work.Our new reform efforts also mean that Maryland will build a statewide student information system providing parents, teachers, and administrators with better data about their students, schools, and school systems. We will provide additional resources and support to ensure that every classroom and school is led by highly-effective teachers and leaders. We will be working hard to improve low-achieving schools, and we will increase Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) resources starting at the elementary level through high school.

This is a tremendous task, but our new reform efforts will lift our students well beyond the basics – with the expectation that all students and educators will have the tools to be successful for life.During American Education week, our schools invite everyone to visit during their open houses to observe first-hand the high-quality learning that already takes place and to observe the commitment and dedication of our students, teachers, and leaders.

I am confident that, working together, we will move Maryland’s education from national leader to world class leader.