WORCESTER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AWARDED MAJOR GRANT

"The grant seeks to improve outcomes for children ages birth through twenty-one through the use of evidence-based and innovative practices to enhance student learning," said Rae Record, Supervisor of Special Education for the school system. "The goal is to eliminate the existing gap between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers."

The work that will be facilitated by the school system will serve as the state model. "The model for system change that will be created here [by Worcester County Public Schools] is a true example of a state and local collaboration using the three E’s: Efficiency, Excellence, and Equity," said Marcella Franczkowski, Assistant State Superintendent of the Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.

The process of creating and implementing a framework of system change will begin this week. The efforts will be supported by MSDE’s Division of Programmatic Support and Technical Assistance. "The grant is extraordinary," said Paul Dunford, Chief of the division. "It was collaboratively constructed and is all about kids." According to Dunford, his division will serve as the bridge between the WCPS implementation team and the grant.

"The effort to secure this grant is a great testament to the internal leadership of Special Education and their work around strategic planning and the alignment to our vision for the academic success of all students," said Superintendent Dr. Jerry Wilson. "This effort also reflects the drive of our school system to be leaders in innovation with excellence. We are immensely proud that a committee of educators sought this grant. Their commitment and hard-work will greatly benefit the children of Worcester County."

A grant-writing committee worked on every aspect of the grant application. "The committee consisted of a variety of educators and stakeholders," said Jennifer Dale, Coordinator of Instruction for Special Education. "Parents, special education teachers, general education teachers, and administrators were part of the team. We researched, gathered data, developed a budget, and focused on innovative practices that could improve services and outcomes for students with disabilities. The end product – the grant document – was exceptional because of the exceptional grant writing team that worked with a common vision!"

Now that the grant has been awarded, the work will begin. "We are very excited about winning this grant," said Record. "This grant requires a lot of energy and we have it. We are ready for the next steps."

"When educators have an opportunity to affect system changes that will increase equity and success for all children, it enhances motivation," said Wilson. "People become teachers to enable children to become the best they can be. This grant provides resources to change many lives."

 

See the article in the Maryland Coastal Dispatch at http://mdcoastdispatch.com/2014/08/27/worcester-county-lands-1m-special-ed-grant-personnel-surprised-with-announcement-this-week/