CCPS reports assessment gains, highlights ELD success at John Hansen and flags federal grant concern

Charles County Public Schools reported multiple academic updates at its Dec. 9 Board of Education meeting, including recognition for improved MCAP scores and an update on services for English-language learners.

Nicole Kramer, vice chairperson, said the district received recognition alongside two other counties for improvements in reading and math on the MCAP. District staff — identified in the recap as Mr. Lowndes, Ms. Mysiewicz and Dr. McKenna Lewis — presented an update on district common assessments and noted the district offers more than 8,000 customized lessons as part of its multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS).

Separately, Miss Hoffman, Miss Michael and Mr. Lowndes reported on the English-language development (ELD) program. While the state has seen an overall decline in multilingual learners, CCPS reported it has maintained essentially the same ELL counts as last year. The district expressed concern about the potential loss of federal grant funding that supports ELL services; the transcript states, "CCPS is concerned about the loss of federal grant funding that supports our English language learner population." No specific grant name or amounts were provided.

The ELD program at John Hansen Middle School was highlighted: the presentation said about 20 percent of that school's ELL students exited the program last year, compared with a typical exit count of only two to four students. The board's recap praised Principal Kohlhorst and his staff for that work.

The meeting recap also noted that, in response to community feedback, CCPS added an operating-status banner to its website (ccboe.com) so families can view district operating status at any time. The board closed by announcing winter break from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.