Meeting Summary for NAACP Parents Council 16 October 2024 Meeting

Oct 16, 2024, 06:05 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Quick recap

The meeting focused on preparing for the November 5th election and addressing literacy issues through library services. The library’s extensive resources and services, including digital resources, online tutoring services, and various programs for children, were discussed. The team also addressed the math assessment, understanding student performance data, the Gifted and Talented identification process, and the importance of family activities and resources for parents of gifted children.

Next steps

Parents to review and understand their child’s MAP and MCAP scores when received.

Parents to access Parent View to check their child’s grades and assessment data.

Parents to contact their child’s school if they have not received MCAP scores by early November.

Parents to consider using the free online tutoring service available through Montgomery County Public Libraries.

Parents of 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders to review regional and countywide program options and apply by November 1st if interested.

Parents are to complete the survey on student discipline policy shared by Everett Davis and Edwin Hernandez.

Byron to distribute meeting notes, presentations, and videos to all attendees.

Parent Council representatives to reach out to principals for parent contact lists if not already received.

Parents are to register for the Town Hall with the superintendent on October 23rd.

Parents are to provide feedback on the library’s online tutoring service if they use it.

Byron to follow up on the possibility of parents viewing sample test questions.

Interested parents to email Byron about participating in the Ombudsman interview panel.

Parents to provide feedback on meeting topics or follow-up items to Byron.

Summary

Preparing for November 5th Election and Literacy Issues

Byron Johns, the chair of the Education Committee, welcomed new participants and encouraged them to interact. The meeting focused on preparing for the November 5th election, with Byron providing voter registration resources. Hope was tasked with presenting on library services to address literacy issues. Byron discussed the plan to dismantle the Department of Education and urged engaging with Board of Education candidates. He also mentioned a new state literacy policy involving grade retention for students not passing a 3rd-grade reading test, with an opt-out option for parents.

Montgomery County Public Libraries Overview

Maranda, the Early Literacy and Children’s Program Manager for Montgomery County Public Libraries introduced the library’s extensive resources and services, emphasizing its commitment to early literacy and equitable access to information. She outlined the library’s programming for children, divided into three broad areas, and highlighted the various programs and resources offered, including story times, sensory story times, bilingual story times, and reading challenges. Maranda also introduced the library’s digital resources, such as e-books, audiobooks, music, magazines, and online tutoring services, and encouraged their use for homework help and learning new skills.

Exploring Library Resources and Brainfuse

Maranda, the Early Literacy and Children’s Program Manager at MCPL, discussed the various resources available for free at the library, including expert librarians and the library’s website, social media platforms, and blog. She also mentioned the Brain Fuse suite, including Help Now for education, and demonstrated how to access Brainfuse, a free online tutoring service, through the library’s website. Maranda confirmed that programs where students could help others, such as a literacy program, are on her list to bring back and offered to send flyers and information about Brainfuse for distribution in their respective schools and communities.

Math Assessment Discussion and Student Data

Byron led a discussion on the math assessment with a focus on recent data, understanding students in mathematics, and mathematics pathways. Data showed that while MCPS performs above the state average, there is room for improvement. The team emphasized the importance of students’ efforts on computer adaptive tests like MCAP and MAP. They discussed the MCAP assessments for grades 3-8 and Algebra 1, used to measure achievement and growth, and confirmed all eligible students recently took it. The team mentioned sharing student data with families and discussed the Eureka Math curriculum’s implementation, extended due to COVID-19 interruptions. Alternative assessments for different student needs were also covered. Carla initiated a discussion on Brianna’s math performance, gathering participant reactions through emojis ranging from positive to neutral.

Interpreting Student Performance Data and Accessibility

Carla led a discussion on understanding and interpreting various data points related to student performance, including MAP data, MCAT scores, and RIT ratings. She suggested that the data could be better understood by looking at it in another format and encouraged participants to engage with the learning process. Carla also clarified the differences in reporting student performance between elementary and secondary levels and discussed the importance of utilizing multiple data points to gain a comprehensive understanding of a student’s performance. Byron highlighted the need for the Parent Guidance document to be available in multiple languages for accessibility and discussed the district’s proficiency scores. The conversation ended with a transition to Kelly for the secondary story.

Exploring Parent View Accounts and MAP Reports

Kelly discussed the use of parent-view accounts for secondary schools, which are also available at the elementary level. She explained how to use these accounts to track a student’s course history, graduation status, and grades. Kelly also mentioned that the MCAP score is not available in parent view, but can be accessed by asking the teacher or school counselor. She further explained the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) report, which provides historical data on a child’s academic progress in reading and math. Kelly emphasized the importance of understanding the different strands of content in math and how they relate to a child’s performance. She also highlighted the importance of tutoring to support a child’s academic growth.

Gifted and Talented Identification Process in MCPs

Kristie discussed the Gifted and Talented (GT) identification process in MCPS, which involves multiple data sources such as the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) scores, and behavioral checklists. She explained that parents of students in grades 2, 3, 5, and 7 will receive notifications to fill out a parent input form. Kristie also mentioned that the GT designation does not guarantee placement in MCPS magnet programs. She further explained that all 2nd and 3rd-grade students will take the CogAT assessment this school year, and they are considering additional data sources, including the WIDA Access Assessment for emergent multilingual learners. Lastly, she mentioned that students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) often take cognitive assessments during identification.

Gifted Children Programs and Discipline Policy Guide

Kristie discussed the importance of family activities and resources for parents of gifted children. Bonny provided an overview of the regional countywide program application process, timeline, and eligibility criteria for secondary students. Everett and Edvin introduced a student and parent guide on discipline policy, gathering feedback to improve the guide and create a clear, concise reference for families.

Parent Report Understanding and MAP Scores Discussion

Byron discussed a parent’s experience with a report and the need for a better understanding of scores. Erika shared her experience using the parent view to understand scores. The team discussed challenges in obtaining replacement reports and the importance of clear goals from teachers for improving student performance. Byron advocated for a town hall meeting with the superintendent on the 23rd to address concerns. He also mentioned the school should provide the parent list to the Parent Council per the memorandum with the superintendent. The team discussed the importance of MAP scores for monitoring progress and consider using a resource with detailed score breakdowns.