The Citi Foundation Schools That Work Institute, designed to assist teachers, counselors and administrators develop strategies for increasing student achievement, is being held today (November 14, 2008) at the Crowne Plaza Hotel - Baltimore in Timonium. The keynote address, given by Dr. Barbra R. Blackburn, Associate Professor for Curriculum and Instruction at Winthrop University, focuses on the meaning of rigor in education. Her presentation titled, “Rigor is NOT a Four-Letter Word” highlights strategies that can be incorporated immediately across content areas, grades, and subjects. Barbara Blackburn clearly defines what rigor is and how teachers can provide challenging learning experiences in their classrooms preparing students for a better future.

Over the past eight years, the Citi Foundation has provided a total of $825,000 in funding to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning to conduct the Institutes. At the Institutes, nationally recognized education experts and coaches help school leadership teams organize into professional learning communities, use data for instructional improvement, develop common course syllabi, and establish career guidance and advisory systems. These strategies are the anchors for school improvement efforts that lead to increased student achievement. For example, students are offered greater opportunities for success through an advisement system that facilitates student development of a plan that is anchored to a career pathway program, postsecondary education preparation, and a future career.

“Citi believes that the Schools That Work Institute is successful because it focuses on the same results-based business model that Citi uses,” said Mary McDowell, President of CitiFinancial. “Citi wants students to enter the business community prepared to succeed.”

“I’m impressed by the strong connections between the learning levels which can only facilitate students having a clearer direction in their academic and career paths, and that can only lead to good things like increased student motivation and achievement,” said Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, State Superintendent of Schools. “Through the Citi Foundation’s dedicated effort and support, Maryland students are more prepared to enter college and the work force.”

The speakers and coaches include:

• Barbara Blackburn, Associate Professor, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina
• Kathleen McNally, School Improvement Specialist, Southern Regional Education Board
• Sheldon Caplis, Regional Community Relations Director, Citi
• Marsha Kitchen, Supervisor of Counseling (retired), David Douglas High School, Portland, Oregon
• Jeanne Yerkovich, Pathways Coordinator, Portland Public Schools, Oregon
• Ronald Thomas, Associate Director, Center for Leadership in Education, Towson University
• Heather Boggs Sass, High School Improvement Consultant, Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta, Georgia
• Nancy Blair, Middle School Improvement Consultant, Southern Regional Education Board, Atlanta, Georgia
• Sharon Stratton, Principal, Arundel High School, Anne Arundel County
• Pat Mikos, Program Manager, Maryland State Department of Education

The participating schools are:

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools
  o Anne Arundel County Central Office
  o Arundel High School
  o Glen Burnie High School
  o Meade High School
  o North County High School
  o Old Mill High School
• Baltimore City Public Schools
  o Carver-Vocational Technical High School
  o Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School
  o Patterson High School
  o Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy
• Baltimore County Public Schools
  o Stemmers Run Middle School
• Montgomery County Public Schools
  o Northwood High School
• Harford County Public Schools
  o Joppatowne High School
• Prince George’s County
  o Prince George’s County Central Office
  o Potomac High School
• Worcester County
  o Snow Hill High School
  
  

For more information, visit the following websites: CTE Programs or www.citigroup.com.