As part of the Race to the Top grant, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) hosted a three-day Educator Effectiveness Academy this week at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr., High School in Upper Marlboro.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) teachers and their principals actively participated in various sessions in the areas of English/Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

“Teachers selected to participate in this academy represent a very unique group of individuals,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Jr., Superintendent of Schools. “Together with their principals, they will collaborate on the implementation of Maryland’s new state curriculum to ensure that our students are prepared for the upcoming school year.”

The outcome of the academy was to:

•    Develop knowledge of the Maryland Common Core State Curriculum Standards and Framework;
•    Develop an understanding of the relationship between Maryland’s vision of STEM and the Maryland Common Core State Curriculum Framework;
•    Provide feedback, modifications, and additions to curriculum work completed in 2010-2011;
•    Analyze the Academy content presented to identify prerequisite skills needed and appropriate instructional strategies; and
•    Create a one-year study plan that will guide school staff in delivering the Academy content.

Sessions were facilitated by master teachers according to content area and grade level. School principals were engaged in activities in collaboration with their teachers, in addition to participating in job-alike sessions. Principals and teachers who attended the academy will help plan and organize professional development activities during the upcoming year to assist all staff members in developing a working knowledge of the Maryland Common Core State Curriculum Framework, as well as provide online follow-up sessions.