EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
MBRT is playing a key role in this year of critical transition for education in Maryland: moving to more rigorous standards, greater focus on STEM, higher accountability for educators, and robust data system implementation; and has made significant progress in meeting deliverables and fulfilling commitments.
MBRT Recognition/Opportunities
IBM received the National Governor’s Association award for a model public/private partnership for its work to support MBRT’s development of the STEMnet platform (technical assistance valued at $250,000 over two years). Nationally, only two companies were so recognized.
MBRT was nominated for and accepted into the exclusive 100Kin10 Partnership – a national movement to fund innovative programs that support, increase, and strengthen STEM teachers.
MBRT led the Maryland team at the national Change the Equation conference – mobilizing the business community nationally to improve STEM learning in the US.
MBRT was invited to participate on the: - Maryland team for Next Generation Science Standards - Maryland team for Data Quality Campaign - Clinton Global Initiative STEM Workgroup
MBRT secured an IBM local grant for technical assistance, and staff participated in a one-day Marketing/ Communications Workshop provided by IBM.
MBRT was vetted and approved by AT&T to submit an application for a $300,000 grant. Decision expected 6/30.
“IBM’s gracious contribution not only provides a pioneering platform to help educators strengthen their teaching, but affirms the company’s commitment and belief in our nation’s future workforce.”
“MBRT was accepted because of the strength and boldness of your commitment, as well as your track record of excellence.”
Administrative Accomplishments
FY11 Audit was completed in May, and a draft report has been received.
CCS, a fundraising consulting firm, was engaged and worked with MBRT through April and May. Their findings/recommendations will be presented at the June Board meeting.
A Communications Team has been convened to assist MBRT in drafting its Communications Plan, and includes representatives from Northrop Grumman, McCormick, Johns Hopkins, UMBC, and Battelle.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
Education in Maryland MSDE Recognition
Maryland was named #1 in education by Education Week, for the 4th consecutive year.
Maryland ranks #1 in Advanced Placement (AP) performance and in the percentage of high schools offering – and students taking – college-level courses.
Maryland is 1 of 3 states that received a top rating for implementation of Race To The Top from the U.S. Department of Education.
Maryland was awarded a new $50 million Race To The Top grant for Early Childhood Learning in December. One of nine states selected.
Scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) continue to improve. Among students in all states, Maryland fourth graders ranked fifth in math, and third in reading.
Maryland is one of 19 states to be granted a waiver for No Child Left Behind requirements. This allows Maryland to set more reasonable goals for student achievement levels and adopt reforms to close the achievement gap (proposing to cut achievement gap in half in the next six years).
Leadership Dr. Lillian Lowery, former Delaware Secretary of Education has been named Maryland’s next Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Lowery will take office on July 1, 2012. Efforts are underway to schedule a meeting this summer with Dr. Lowery and the MBRT Board. 10 new local superintendents have been, or will be, recently appointed. As an introduction to MBRT, the Executive Director presented at the January meeting of all 24 local superintendents, and has scheduled individual meetings with 11 of them, 9 of which are completed. Interim Superintendent Bernard Sadusky asked MBRT to provide corporate communications expertise as the state develops a plan to communicate with teachers and parents about changes in expectations, standards, curriculum, and accountability. T. Rowe Price agreed to provide advice and counsel.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
Efforts to Increase Academic Rigor
Common Core Standards in Math and English were developed, and the Maryland State Board of Education adopted them in June 2011. New, more rigorous assessments aligned with the new standards will replace the MSA (Maryland School Assessments) in June 2014, and may replace the HSA (High School Assessments).
Maryland is one of 26 states leading development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). MBRT serves on the statewide NGSS committee.
Linking educator effectiveness to student performance – The Maryland Council for Educator Effectiveness (on which MBRT plays a key role) presented recommendations for a statewide educator effectiveness system, which will be fully operational in the 2013-14 school year. Seven districts successfully piloted the system in 2011-12, and 22 districts will participate in fall of 2012.
Longitudinal Data System – MSDE is working to implement a statewide electronic transcript system that will allow for efficient preparation and dissemination of student transcripts and will create a central repository of student-level data including data on courses completed and grades earned. MBRT is one of two external organizations that have been allowed access to the system through their own “portlet,” allowing us to track Maryland Scholars data in all 24 districts.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
Project Updates
Maryland Scholars:
Ensuring students are academically prepared for college and careers
What it is: Maryland Scholars is designed to increase the number/percentage of students who complete rigorous high school coursework and who are STEM-capable and well prepared to succeed in college and the workplace. Why it matters: Current graduation requirements are not rigorous enough to prepare students academically for success in college and work.
Focus on increasing STEM-capable and STEM-advanced graduates
Maryland Scholars criteria have been adjusted to align with new USM th admission requirements – adding a 4 math credit and raising the GPA requirement to 3.0. Local superintendents are applauding the increased focus on rigor and the increase in required GPA. New requirements have also been communicated by MBRT to district coordinators of school counselors.
MBRT is working with MSDE and local superintendents to define criteria for STEM-advanced. A new designation will be added: Maryland STEM Scholar
Based on data collected from 18 school districts, it is estimated that 54% of Maryland grads in 2011 met the Maryland Scholars criteria – up from 50% in 2010 and 38% in 2007. 2012 data will be reviewed and analyzed in the fall.
“I will plan which classes I need to take in order to get into the college I desire. I will talk to my parents and plan how I will pay for everything.” Student Carroll County
MBRT’s portlet in MSDE’s Longitudinal Data System will allow for more efficient, accurate and complete data collection and analysis.
Maryland Scholars Percent of HS graduates
MBRT’s 2012-14 Strategic Plan calls for: o
o
doubling the high school grads that are STEM-advanced from an estimated 10% to 20% (Maryland STEM Scholars) increasing to 67% STEM-capable grads from current estimate of 54% (Maryland Scholars)
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
2007
2010
2011
2014 target
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
STUDENTS – in person Speakers Bureau: MARYLAND SCHOLARS
Marketing directly to students
What it is: Business volunteers motivate 7th, 8th and 9th grade students in classroom to complete Maryland Scholars courses, take learning seriously, and start planning their futures. Speakers provide students with real-world reasons why taking rigorous courses in high school will enable them to succeed in college, careers, and life. Why it matters: Research shows that middle and high school students need motivation and more information about what it takes to succeed in life after high school. At a time when many teens are tuning out teachers and parents, they respond well to an objective, credible outside voice.
The Speakers Bureau is MBRT’s primary conduit to engaging th 9 grade students in person, encouraging them to become Maryland Scholars.
In the 2011-12 school year, 928 presentations were made to 20,508 students to date (68% of target –approximately 30% of Maryland’s freshmen).
Because reaching targets has become increasingly difficult, the Speakers Bureau Advisory Panel conducted a comprehensive analysis and developed a new strategic approach, which was presented in April to the Strategic Steering Committee. Additionally, meetings with superintendents have been scheduled/conducted to increase participation.
“Usually, my students are lethargic and slow-to-wake but Mr. Ruiz so engaged my kids that they began asking and answering questions. They were alert throughout the presentation.” Teacher Prince George’s County
MBRT’s 2012-14 Strategic Plan calls for: o continuing to conduct high school outreach program in targeted districts o assessing feasibility/capacity/impact and developing recommendations for future implementation.
2011/12 School Year Speakers Bureau – Maryland Scholars 100%
Update Training Materials (Jul - Aug 2011)
68%
Secure 2011 School Commitments (Aug - Dec 2011)
68%
Coordinate Classroom Presentations (Aug - May…
90%
Recruit and Train Volunteers (Aug - Feb 2012)
% Complete
80%
Enhance Evaluation Tools/Methods (Aug - Apr 2012)
% to be completed
75%
Broaden Statewide Partnerships (Aug - May 2012)
60%
Launch New VMS (Apr - Sep 2012)
100%
Collect and Analyze Feedback (as received)
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
STUDENTS – in person Speakers Bureau: COLLEGE ACCESS
Engaging High-Need Middle School Students
What it is: MBRT, in partnership with the Maryland Higher Education Commission, is working to increase the number of high-need middle school students who are aware of the interconnectedness of academic preparation, college coursework and career goals, and who take action to become college-/career-ready. Why it matters: Research shows that low income students are at a much higher risk of not earning a high school diploma, a college degree and a living wage. It is important to our economic future that all students receive the support needed to succeed. MBRT targets middle school students in Maryland’s highest need school districts and schools.
To reach younger, high-need students, MHEC funding supports extending the Speakers Bureau to targeted middle schools.
In the 2011-12 school year, 219 presentations were made to 5,822 students to date (97% of targeted students).
MBRT’s 2012-14 Strategic Plan calls for:
“I loved hearing the kids share about their dreams and personal interests. I'm going to use that info as motivation for my kids. I like the focus on money and cost of living - it catches their attention.”
o
expansion to 52 schools, 7,500 students
o
outreach to parents at targeted high-need middle schools
Teacher Baltimore City
2011/12 School Year Speakers Bureau – College Access
Modify Lesson Plan and Training (Jul - Aug 2011)
100%
Update Training Materials (Jul - Aug 2011)
100%
Develop/Re-engage School Partnerships (Aug - Dec 2011)
100%
Recruit and Train Speakers (Aug - Feb 2012)
100%
% Complete % to be completed Spring 2012
97%
Coordinate Classroom Presentations (Aug - Feb 2012)
100%
Collect/Analyze Student Feedback (as received) Collect/Analyze Maryland Scholars Data (Jul-Oct 2012)
0%
50%
100%
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
STEMnet:
Creating Maryland’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Innovation Network
What it is: Recommended in the Governor’s STEM Plan, STEMnet is being created to use transformational technology to provide universal access to STEM information, resources, and opportunities in Maryland. Why it matters: No forum or platform exists that allows partners/stakeholders to communicate and collaborate or that houses a vast repository of information and resources to support teacher and student awareness, learning, and achievement in STEM fields. Creation of STEMnet will lead to extraordinary results in student preparation for 21st century jobs and a bright economic future for Maryland.
As a result of generous corporate support – particularly from IBM, Northrop Grumman and AT&T – and Race To The Top funding through MSDE, the STEMnet infrastructure has been built, and six components of a Teacher Hub and a Student Hub are being developed. A Parent Hub is being developed with funding from College Access (MHEC) and Gear-Up (MSDE) grants. Commitments for 2012 include:
Teacher Hub: Expand STEM Specialists in the Classroom to include Biology and Algebra in 6 school districts, and develop the STEM Resource Clearinghouse.
Student Hub: Expand Career Exploration, and develop the STEM Challenge program.
Parent Hub: Establish with seed funding from MHEC and GEARUP.
Establish new governance of the STEMnet enterprise under the leadership of MBRT Board member, Bob Marshall, President/CEO of Earth Networks, and develop business model for STEMnet, including long-range funding strategies, which will be presented to the MBRT Board in December 2012.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012 Listening to our Clients/Constituents Recognizing the vital importance of input from those we seek to serve, MBRT is engaged in several market research initiatives. Over the past several months, surveys and focus groups have been conducted with algebra teachers, parents and students.
TECHNOLOGY Our audiences seek better use of technology to improve how we engage with and inform them. A few big themes recur about communications via technology: -
brief personal pushed to them mobile
2012 STEMnet Technical Platform
In response, we continue to build out the technical platform with communication features that push to email, mobile and text formats. We continue to test with audiences with each release. And we meet monthly with MSDE’s lead technical teams to stay aligned in tool development for teachers, parents and students. 75%
Migrate speaker data from all programs to STEMnet (Aug 2012)
80%
Incorporate improvements to ongoing STEM Specialists program (Sept – May 2012)
Design / develop STEM Resource Clearinghouse tool (Jan 2012-June 2012)
90%
Design / develop STEM Challenge for students (Mar 2012-Aug 2012)
30%
% Complete
Launch STEM Challenge for students (Sept 2012)
% to be completed
Launch STEM Resources Clearinghouse for teachers (Sept 2012)
0%
50%
100%
MBRT played a lead role in recent STEM events in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore County, and was asked to demonstrate the engagement platform of STEMnet presentation to the Northern Virginia Tech Council.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
TEACHERS We surveyed algebra teachers – 380 teachers from 21 school districts responded. A focus group with 18 algebra teachers from 8 school districts was conducted on April 30. A report of findings is scheduled for release in summer 2012. 15-20 algebra and biology teachers will work with us over the summer to help design fall implementation and expansion of STEM Specialists in the Classroom and to help develop STEM Resource Clearinghouse.
“Thank you for reinforcing all of what we try to do for our young ninth-grade students.” Teacher Prince George’s County
2012 STEMnet Teacher Hub
During 2012, MBRT is expanding STEM Specialists in the Classroom to include biology and algebra and will be launched in six school districts. In addition, the STEM Resource Clearinghouse is being developed for launch in the fall.
100%
Continue to implement Proof of Concept in Biology (Jan-May 2012)
100%
Conduct Algebra Needs Assessment (Jan - Apr 2012)
50%
Modify Training Module/Materials (Apr-Jul 2012)
% Complete
20%
Identify/Recruit Volunteers (May-Jul 2012)
% to be completed
Train Volunteers (Aug-Sep 2012) Implement classroom presentations-Bio/Alg (Sept-Dec 2012)
50%
Map and metatag content of STEM Resource Clearinghouse (Jan-Jul 2012) Implement/test proof of concept- STEM Resource Clearinghouse (Aug-Dec 2012)
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
STUDENTS We surveyed 433 students in 22 school districts, to discover mindset, interest and intention regarding becoming STEM-ready for college and careers. As part of a CTE grant from MSDE, a student focus group was conducted with Baltimore County students to understand student awareness and intent to pursue a career in transportation, distribution and logistics. 2012 STEMnet Student Hub
“I will work harder to get great grades, take more challenging courses, and do extracurricular activities to show how dependable I am. I think this presentation was wonderful. I learned about how important it is to take my education seriously, and the presentation helped me a lot.”
During 2012, MBRT is expanding the first component of the Student Hub – STEM Career Exploration – and developing the second component – STEM Challenge Program, which will be launched in the fall.
Student Baltimore County
Expand/maintain/evaluate career exploration (Oct2011-Dec 2012)
75%
Design/deploy community building strategies (Oct2011-Jan2012)
100%
Develop STEM Challenge content modules (Mar-Aug 2012) Recruit and prepare volunteers for Challenge activities (May-Sep 2012)
% Complete
30% 10%
Implement STEM Challenge activities (Sept-Oct 2012)
0%
Evaluate effectiveness of Challenge. Modify plans for expansion (Oct-Dec 2012)
0% 0%
% to be completed
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT TO THE BOARD – June 2012
PARENTS We surveyed over 5,000 parents in 21 school districts, to discover mindset and needs about supporting their students. To ensure input from low income parents, focus groups were held with parents in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County. Parent communication was the primary focus of the Marketing Strategy Roadmap session recently conducted by IBM with MBRT staff.
“We are on information overload. It would be nice to have one communication whether weekly or monthly, etc. - that contains all the info we need.”
2012 STEMnet Parent Hub
While not part of the Race To The Top contract, a Parent Hub is being developed with seed funding from the MHEC College Access grant and the MSDE Gear-Up grant.
Parent Carroll County
50%
Develop and Produce Online and Print Toolkit (Feb - May 2012)
60%
Develop Marketing Plan (May - Jul 2012)
% Complete Develop and Conduct Training for Toolkit (Jun - Aug 2012)
% to be completed Spring 2012
25%
Launch Online Communications Platform (Aug 2012)
Collect and analyze feedback on Toolkit (on-going) 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
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