Guest blog by Michael Doerrer, FCPS Director of Communications, Community Engagement, and Marketing

FCPS leaders recently participated in an activity where 6 students had earned a grade of C. As the leaders learned more about the students, it became clear that some had mastered standards and others had not. So what does a grade really mean?

Dr. Alban received this letter from a current student at Frederick High.

What is cultural proficiency? How does it impact our daily work and thinking?

At the National Conference on Education, keynote speaker Todd Rose offered a compelling discussion on the fallacy behind measuring people against the “average person.”

Earning a bachelor’s degree in International Studies, Heather Clabaugh worked in marketing for the Frederick Keys before earning an MBA and managing construction budgets in the private sector. Since joining FCPS, her skill and work ethic led to her current role as Budget Officer.

Every year the number of college students selecting education as a major decreases. Many states are now facing critical teacher shortages. Why?

So many aspects of our current educational system are still rooted in 20th century industrial models. Is it time to consider other options for snow days?

We spend about $620 billion every year on education by federal and state governments. But accountability for the hundreds of millions that go to charter schools is minimal in most states. This has led to many scandals, frequent poor performance for students, and few changes in laws or regulations. Why?

Recent events at a girls’ basketball game have sparked many reactions from community members. For me, I stand in harmony with what our Board of Education has clearly articulated: Our school system cannot tolerate disrespectful labels related to a person’s race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, familial status, physical or mental ability, or disability.