PGCPS officials emphasize tier‑1 instruction and family engagement to boost early literacy

Representatives from Prince George's County Public Schools outlined classroom and family strategies they say are central to raising reading outcomes across the county. In a joint presentation PGCPS staff stressed a focus on high‑quality tier‑1 instruction, alignment between teacher practice and student learning needs, and coordinated family supports.

Dr. Dean Collins and Simone McQuaid (PGCPS presenters) said schools should adopt regular, school‑level literacy events and stronger family engagement structures. "The teacher, the student, and the family," a presenter said, describing the three components that must align for students to reach benchmarks. They called for 'literacy nights' at every elementary school at least quarterly and described a Parent University program of short, literacy‑focused sessions available in multiple languages.

PGCPS staff also raised equity and access issues, including transportation barriers in southern parts of the county that limit family participation, and recommended partnerships with libraries and parks and recreation to expand equitable summer offerings. The presenters framed these school‑level practices as part of a broader county ecosystem of nonprofits, libraries and faith groups that should be more tightly coordinated to avoid duplication and increase public awareness.

The presenters did not propose a single new funding line at the meeting; instead they urged concrete, repeatable practices that can be implemented locally and tracked as part of the commission's recommendations to the County Council. Staff will synthesize these ideas into preliminary recommendations by Sept. 30 and work toward a final set to vote on by Dec. 15.