"Over the last few months, I’ve talked to peers from all walks of life about both the strengths and the shortcomings of our school system.  After hundreds of conversations, I understand what the we truly want and need. "

 

Here’s my five-point plan for next year:

• Expand our technology implementation

• Expedite school renovations and additions, and advocate for state-of-the-art athletic facilities in every school.

• Close the achievement gap with solutions such as expanding project-based learning.

• Changing grading policies to redefine homework and assessments.

• Decreasing class sizes to individualize education for every student.

 

Detailed Descriptions

• Expand our technology implementation

  • Ensure that all of us have a device that we can use throughout the school day, with academic opportunities to use tablets, laptops and phones in the classroom, in-between classes, before and after school, and during lunch periods. 

• Expedite school renovations and additions, and advocate for state-of-the-art athletic facilities in every school.

  • Build stronger relationships with the state delegation to ensure that NO school has portables, and that every school is being rebuilt quickly, to alleviate overcrowding. Until schools get rebuilt, we need to ensure that the existing buildings are effective for our students by bringing more desks into classrooms and ensuring that there is sufficient protection from inclement weather leading to portable classrooms.

• Close the achievement gap with solutions such as expanding project-based learning.

  • All of our learning is not best assessed through quizzes and tests.  It imperative that MCPS allow fellow students, especially those who may be affected by the achievement gap, to display their talents through alternative forms of assessment, including project-based learning.

• Changing grading policies to redefine homework and assessments.

  • Create homework guidelines that confine homework to meaningful assignments, which allow students to create balanced life schedules and maximize their learning.  We must further alleviate students stress through creating an AA exception that exempts students who receive A’s both quarters from a final exam in that class.

• Decreasing class sizes to individualize education

  • Every one of us deserves extensive support to improve our schoolwork.  If class sizes continue to exceed 30 students, we will struggle to receive the help we need to succeed and develop as students.  Whether it’s getting help working through a problem, or edits to an English paper, every student deserves supporting resources to help them achieve.