To help schools dealing with the effects of the pandemic, the R4CC team partnered with MSDE staff to examine state and local capacity and processes in incorporating interventions to support students. The team developed a research-based tool to assess a district’s readiness to implement evidence-based strategies. Additionally, they conducted a review of all local school system monitoring processes, helped MSDE define the state’s vision on monitoring, reporting and follow-up to school systems, and collaboratively developed a monitoring tool that aligns to that vision.

The R4CC team collaborated with MSDE staff to revise the state’s process for monitoring CSI school progress and performance and to help state staff provide actionable feedback to school and district staff in support of local improvement efforts. The project addressed issues such as the range of interventions included in local plans, the possibility of a larger pool of identified schools in the future, and the need to align with other monitoring that touches the same districts and schools. Products of the project included a tool and guide ready for roll-out, accompanying training and communication packages, and a system for tracking the operations and results of monitoring.

The R4CC team assisted MSDE staff in continuing implementation of a strategy to help inform and align the work of staff across MSDE departments and divisions. The goal of the project was to strengthen the alignment of supports provided to local schools and districts.

The R4CC worked with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to conduct a career and technical education (CTE) alignment study. The study analyzed local data on high-wage and in-demand jobs and alignment with local secondary CTE programming. State and local CTE leaders can leverage information about CTE program alignment to make important decisions about which programs to offer to improve outcomes for students and also better serve the needs of the labor market. To learn more about this project, see this blog and the full alignment report.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland State Board of Education are launching efforts to develop a strategic plan that will inform how the state approaches its role in leading improvements in school operations statewide. As part of this strategic planning process, MSDE has initiated multiple efforts to gather broad-based stakeholder feedback on current successes, challenges, and areas for improvement and what the best ways for leveraging current strengths and addressing weaknesses might be for the future. The R4CC team is supporting MSDE’s strategic planning efforts by analyzing data from stakeholder round table conversations and the online strategic planning survey.

In the 2021-2022 school year, 40% of Maryland school districts had superintendent openings that needed to be filled prior to the start of the next school year, with more anticipated over the course of the next few years. The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM) wanted to proactively address superintendent turnover by establishing a pipeline of future Maryland school district leaders that are equipped with the skills and knowledge to successfully transition to the role of superintendent. The R4CC team is helping PSSAM implement a year-long professional learning experience, grounded in research-based practices and designed to build the bench of qualified, prepared, and diverse Maryland superintendents. Participants function as a community of practice, learning from national experts and current and former Maryland superintendents. The Academy provides participants a competitive advantage in the application and interview process and practical experiences to support a successful transition to the superintendency. The first Academy cohort launched in August 2022. For additional information, visit the meeting webpage.