The Citi Foundation Schools That Work Institute, designed to assist teachers, counselors, and administrators develop strategies for increasing student achievement-hosted by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)-is being held today and tomorrow (June 26 -27, 2009) at the Baltimore Marriott Hunt Valley Inn, Hunt Valley, MD.
In its ninth year, the Citi Foundation Schools That Work Institute has been supported by almost one million dollars ($925,000) in grants from the Citi Foundation. The grants were awarded to MSDE's Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning to conduct the Institutes. Funds are used to secure nationally recognized experts and coaches in the education field to help school leadership teams organize into professional learning communities to implement school reform strategies.
Strategies such as developing high-quality Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs, using data-driven decision-making for instructional improvement, implementing differentiated instruction to increase student success in the classroom, and establishing career guidance and advisory systems are selected by schools to work on throughout the year guided by on-site coaching from the education experts.
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 a career guidance and advisement system; one that facilitates development of an academic and career plan connected to a career pathway program, postsecondary education and/or training, and a future career.
"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 outcomes 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:
- Kathleen McNally, School Improvement Specialist, Southern Regional Education Board
- Sheldon Caplis, Community Relations Director, Southern Region, 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
- William Hadley, Hadley Consulting: Transforming Secondary Classrooms, Colliers West Virginia
- Pat Mikos, Program Manager, Maryland State Department of Education
The participating schools are:
- Anne Arundel County Public Schools
- Arundel High School
- Arundel Middle School
- Corkran Middle School
- Glen Burnie High School
- Meade High School
- North County High School
- Old Mill High School
- Baltimore City Public Schools
- Patterson High School
- Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy
- Reginald F. Lewis High School
- MD Academy of Technology and Health Sciences
- Baltimore County Public Schools
- Calvert County
- Calvert County Central Office
- Caroline County
- Caroline County Career and Technical Education Center
- Maryland State Department of Education
- Juvenile Services Education
- Prince George's County
- Dr. Henry Wise High School
For more information visit the following websites, Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs or www.citigroup.com.
About Citi:
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi's major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney, Banamex, and Nikko. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com or www.citi.com.
About Citi Foundation:
The Citi Foundation is committed to enhancing economic opportunities for underserved individuals and families in the communities where we work throughout the world. To achieve this goal, the Citi Foundation is focusing its giving on Microfinance and Microentrepreneurship which helps individuals become economically self-sufficient; Small and Growing Businesses leading to economic expansion and job creation; Education including basic education for youth and financial education; and the Environment with a focus on sustainable enterprises that generate jobs and stimulate economic growth while preserving the environment. In the U.S. and Canada, the Citi Foundation supports Community Development programs that help build and revitalize neighborhoods and Education programs that prepare students for college and careers. Additional information can be found at http://www.citigroupfoundation.org.