Current Profession
Scientist
I believe implementing 5 pillars of the Blueprint will dramatically improve the quality of the Maryland education system. I will work with fellow board members, school staff, community partners, parents, governments, and all other stakeholders and pro-actively advocate to implement the Blueprint as per the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Plan (AIB) schedule. I recommend appointing a Blueprint Implementation Review Committee within FCPS to monitor the progress.
I propose the following 4 strategies to enhance civics education,
1) Encourage the student’s participation in discussion, debates, and decision-making process.
2) Celebrate culture. It gives the background knowledge and open-mindedness they need to interact with experiences, cultures, and languages different cognitively and emotionally from their own.
3) Address the current issues. Encourage to read magazines, scholastic news, nonfiction articles in an age-appropriate way.
4) Evaluate the NEWS.
The board should work with all stake holders to build a supportive environment for teachers and students in the classrooms and remove the widespread misperception of special education in the community and bring awareness.
Reducing the teacher’s non-instructional responsibilities. Allocating appropriate Budget. Integrating with the technology to make the classrooms ready for special needs and training the educators with the best strategies available.
Critical thinking is an important part of the cognitive development of a child. Students should be taught to understand the concepts and able to apply them throughout their life.
Explain everything in detail from an early age.
Encourage to learn multiple languages and expose to different cultures.
Encourage problem-solving thinking and out of the box approaches.
Develop the logical approaches in problem solving over the blind believes.
Teach the open-mindedness and
Develop curiosity.
Early education, equity, and diversity. Increased PreK program enrollment and effective special education.
Recruit and Retention of high-quality educators, supporting staff and administrators. Around 50% of the teachers changing their profession within the first 5 years of their recruitment, I will build a strong support system,
College and Career preparedness. Only 40% of the high-school graduates prepared for college or career plans. I will work to improve the career technology services.
Current Profession
Research Scientist / Laboratory Manager
Campaign Twitter
jerry4bofed
The Blueprint law provides additional funding, but it does not give any guidance to principals and teachers on how they can implement those critical improvements. Funding needs to come with suggested best practices proven to improve teaching reading and math skills from the best-performing schools in Maryland. Those guidelines should be written by and taught to teachers by high performing current and former Maryland teachers, not high cost consultants.
Civics is much more than teaching basic history or facts about the structure of government. Students need to be shown how to become citizens. We must lead by example, bringing in current and former local leaders who are operating nonprofits, and elected city, county, and state delegates, and yes, even elected members of the board of education (let’s match our deeds to our words). Students should meet and hear directly from the people with experience in and passion for a functional government.
There are too few Special Education teachers assigned to too many students. One problem is that Special Education teachers are allocated by the size of the school, and not according to the number of students with special needs. There needs to be a minimum ratio of Special Education teachers to students with special needs at each school. Special Ed teachers could then provide more one-on-one teaching time for every student who needs their help.
Students need to be shown how to ask questions about questions (Are the questions logical? Are they biased or leading?), and check if their sources of information are giving them valid facts. Too many people (even adults) think a Google search is "research". NIH has a Speakers Bureau. We also have Hood College and Frederick Community College. Let's take advantage of local resources by bringing in real research scientists and experts from colleges to give lessons to teachers as well as students.
1- We need to set an upper limit on the student to teacher ratio in all classes. Teachers can't provide the best education if they only have a few minutes to speak with each student per day. This will also reduce the stress on teachers when they take home student work to grade on their own time (most do it). 2- Teachers must be paid more or we will keep losing the best instructors to other counties & states. 3- We need to assign more mental health counselors & Special Ed teachers to schools.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future will be a challenge. That being said the schools that are most in need should indeed be receiving additional help where needed. But what has to be ensured is that we do not create a backwards flow of inequity and create another problem somewhere else. Simply put the implementation comes down to funding and ensuring that it is allocated properly.
Civics should be not only part of social studies but should become a part of an independent class that teaches about constitutional rights and civic responsibility with additional touchstones in financial literacy, home ec, and career exploration.
Every child deserves to receive an education, regardless of debility. I would look to commission a study of the special education programs of Frederick County Schools and hold public hearings to get perspectives of FCPS families to see where we are doing well and where we are lacking. From there we can fully understand our needs and allocate properly. We know that when given the proper resources all students can succeed.
Creating an atmosphere in every aspect of school to engage students to think for themselves rather than being told what to think. Students should be given fact based instruction free of bias and allowed to form opinions about all subjects. Students should have more input in what they are learning to better engagement and more tailor education toward individual interests.
While there are many important topics my top three are fiscal responsibility because every tax payer deserves to see the funds they've contributed spent wisely, ensure that schools needing repair and upgrade receive it. Because if we are not maintaining our current facilities we should not be building new ones. Last ensure that parents are well informed of all aspects of student life and school policy that affects the physical and emotional well being of students.
Contactname
Josh Bokee
Current Profession
Broadband Consultant
contact name
Josh Bokee
The Blueprint aims to ensure that all students can achieve academic success; reduce disparity in outcomes and make greater investments to add and retain high quality teachers and school support staff. I will use my prior experiences as a Frederick City council member, chair of the Chamber of Commerce, PTSA volunteer and active community member to be both an advocate and collaborator for needed resources and the effective implementation of these investments so all students can expect success.
1. Engage our educators for their expertise and ideas and help ensure civics curriculum is integrated across all subjects as appropriate.
2. Ensure access to all learning materials and oppose any ban on school books.
3. Support partnerships with local community organizations to create real-world connections with the curriculum.
4. Encourage interactive and participatory learning including community projects, debates, and activities that build critical thinking skills.
1. Ensure specialized programming and instruction is in place that meets each student’s individual needs to avoid creating ‘catch all’ learning environments.
2. Foster a welcoming and supportive learning experience.
3. Expand critical staffing support and reduce non-student impacting administrative burdens.
4. Add more frequent mentoring and training for educators.
5. Implement all Audit and Taskforce recommendations.
1. Support educators in the classroom to encourage problem-solving, discussion and debate and oppose any ban on school books.
2. Reduce classroom sizes so every student receives individual support from educators to help them develop critical thinking skills.
3. Ensure that every school is safe, inclusive and positive so all students can focus on learning and establishing excellence.
4. Foster community partnerships so students can immerse themselves in practical real world learning scenarios.
1. Be a strong advocate for school construction and operating funding to: Reduce overcrowded classrooms, replace aging school facilities, and hire and retain high-quality educators.
2. Ensure every school is a safe, positive and an inclusive place for learning for all students, free from bullying and harassment.
3. Ensure students have access to participate in all FCPS academic programs including AP classes, the IB program, engineering, arts, FCC and the Career Technology Center (CTC).
Current Profession
Accountant
Our district has already started to implement the Blueprint so it will be critical to review the commitments already made and make sure that we are complying with the Blueprint but also maximizing the use of existing resources and programs. We already have a great CTC program which meets the career readiness goals of the Blueprint so we need to invest in that and expand access to that program. That makes expanding that facility or finding a second campus a priority.
Every student should receive grade level instruction in civics every year. Our children don't understand how a bill becomes a law or how the branches of our Government work. I would like to see our curriculum department develop a week or two long unit of study for grades K-8th, with a semester long course for high school that is a graduation requirement. Upon completion of that course our students should be able to pass the same test that naturalized citizens pass.
Training, training and more training. The DOJ report documented mistreatment of our special needs students by our staff and I believe that many of those issues can be traced back to inadequate training and supervision. We also need a major attitude shift in administration. Too much time is spent figuring out how not to provide services. Families shouldn't have to hire advocates to get the services they are entitled to. We also should have cameras in our special needs classrooms.
We need to encourage our children to investigate all sides of an issue and come to their own conclusion. We should encourage reports or presentations on a topic then discuss and debate those topics in an age appropriate way. Our kids need to know they won't get in trouble for "wrong think" and be taught how to make logical arguments, not feelings based arguments. Our teachers should strive for neutrality so that the students won't feel the need to self censor their opinions.
1. Refocus on academics including improving our proficiency rates which are abysmal. We need to do that by implementing science and evidence based instruction, particularly in reading and math. 2. We need to expand educational options including expanding our charters, our CTE program and our early college program. 3. We also need to listen to parents, respect their decisions to opt their kids out of sensitive personal topics and listen when they advocate for services and interventions.
Campaign Instagram
paulforboe
Contactname
Paul Fairfield
Campaign Phone
301-378-3903
Current Profession
Student
contact name
Paul Fairfield
Campaign Twitter
@Paulforboe
Other
reddit.com/u/paulforboe
I would engage in dialogue with the teachers' unions. The unions are full of bright minds and experts on this matter, and I trust in them completely. Their advice and suggestions would be indispensable to implementing the Blueprint.
Civics is how we teach students to become aware citizens. Aware citizens help democracy flourish and are able to scrutinize and vocally oppose corruption. Civics classes need to be engaging and informative, and required. Democracy dies when no one participates, and to participate one must have the appropriate knowledge of the current political climate to make informed opinions.
Most importantly, FCPS has to pay its dues. The Department of Justice found systemic abuse, and now FCPS is trying to dismiss a related lawsuit. FCPS needs to settle fairly with the affected families.
We need to get their noses out of their books. Physical activities, be it as flashy as breakout boxes or someone bringing a snake, to as simple as having class outdoors or moving around the room, are great ways to engage the brain and the body. I know from experience that the classes and teachers who did these things helped me and my peers think outside the box and really wonder "Why is this the answer?" instead of just "What is the answer?"
My main priority is to rebuild Brunswick High School. It's full of asbestos, it's falling apart, it isn't ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, and is much too small for the amount of students it serves. In addition, I plan on protecting Policy 443; it is an asset to trans students' safety and well-being. Students also need a voice. As a student, I never felt heard. One Student Member of the Board doesn't suffice. There should be a county-wide student council.
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Contactname
ALLISON J MEDRANO
Current Profession
General Manager
An oversight committee; Accountability: no improper use of the funds will be tolerated; Diversity; Metrics, deliverables and benchmarks.
Local government internship program; civics classes, clubs and mock governments.
Training of students and staff, including subs; Benchmarks, interventions, Counselors.
In all grade levels: Mock businesses; Debates with monitors; Teach research techniques that force students to find reliable sources.
Inclusivity
Quality Education
Safety
Campaign Instagram
facebook.com/@Monier4BOE
Campaign Phone
3013046958
To implement the promise of Blueprint for Maryland successfully will require sufficient funding to ensure success for our schools and students. I will continue advocacy for funding formula changes to align our funding needs more appropriately with real-time enrollment. Included as part of this discussion is retaining and recruiting the educators, support staff, and administrators needed to reduce class sizes and support our students’ goals as it relates to academics, behavior and mental health
I support the vision of the Maryland Civic Education Coalition’s goals of strengthening civics instruction and engagement in our schools. I would advocate to add to this instruction and engagement components which allow our students to take our national and state civics and think critically about how that impacts Frederick County and its citizens. Also, as technology progresses quickly, we need to enhance policies that emphasize the importance of news and media literacy, the impact of AI, and
ncrease the number of Special Education teachers and support staff who provide instruction and support to our special needs students. Advocate for increased professional development regarding the Special Needs student for our General Ed. Educators to aide them in the proven best practices they can implement in their classroom and as support throughout the school.
The best ways to develop critical thinking skills in students is engaging students in facilitated discussions and debate. Encourage them to look at issues and topics from the eyes of others to deepen their understanding. To accomplish this, students will need increased literacy of multiple sources and social-emotional-learning (SEL). Students will need to learn how to discern between information that is authoritative versus conjecture. And practice how to be wrong, to give and take construc
First, communicating clearly between the board, families, and communities the importance of fully funding our schools to meet the needs of our students across the county. This includes our highest achievers and those who will need more wraparound services and support. Second, addressing the behavior and mental health of students and staff by ensuring transparency to resources. Advocating for more mental health counselors to collaborate with students and families and guide them through the proc
Campaign Instagram
celia_reidler
Contactname
Cecelia Reidler
Campaign Phone
301-788-3554
Current Profession
Former 25 Year Public School Science Teacher
contact name
Cecelia Reidler
The BOE has a responsibility to ensure the successful implementation of the Blueprint. We must work closely with the Maryland Department of Education, the Accountability and Implementation Board and FCPS to implement the Blueprint to the highest standards. Expert Review Teams will visit schools and assess implementation on the ground level.
We must continuously assess the implementation and success of the four pillars by looking at data and making improvements with all the stakeholders.
A high quality civics education provides opportunities for students to engage in activities that model democracy. Student engagement includes discussions of current events, debates, mock trials, letters to the editor of local papers, demonstrations, and legislative advocacy.
School shootings, civil rights protections for transgender students and deportation of the dreamers are some important topics for young people to engage in their community and enhance their civic education.
Special Education students require a fully staffed education team to execute the IEP with fidelity and a multi-tiered education plan. Special educators, general educators, para-educators and psychologists are necessary to meet the needs of the students. A multi-tiered education plan with evidence based learning, differentiated instruction, formative and summative assessments and explicit behavior expectations is necessary for the special education students to progress and achieve.
Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts and solve an issue. The scientific method aligns perfectly with the teaching of critical thinking skills in students. It is a scientific procedure used to solve a problem. It involves data collection, analysis and a conclusion based on facts. I taught critical thinking skills to my science students by teaching the scientific method. Similar to critical thinking skills the scientific method teaches us to remain open to new ideas.
My three priorities are the following:
1) Every student receives the academic and mental health supports throughout their K-12 journey to be college and/or career ready and to contribute to the workforce of tomorrow.
2) Ensure that the Maryland Blueprint for Education is implemented with fidelity and the County secures the funding to support the 10 year initiative.
3) Retain the best educators in Frederick County for our students
by offering them competitive salaries.
Contactname
Rayna Remondini
Campaign Phone
8024242099
Current Profession
HEAD OF SCHOOL
I’d like to focus on funds allocated for teacher training and development. A hefty investment put towards increasing teacher wages, attracting new teachers and educational support staff, is a high priority. When this is in place, it will be a great start to completing Kirwin’s goal, which is to have Maryland students be prepared for college and career ready by the 10th grade.
An idea to enhance civics education could involve curricula that emphasizes the importance of voting and political participation. We could teach 12th graders the history of voting rights, explain the electoral college, and the importance of being an informed voter. We can encourage students to register to vote and participate in their local and national elections.
Because their work includes a variety of areas, I’d vote in favor of required degrees in special education, psychology, social work, or counseling for any staff member with special needs, IEPs, and 504 students. More support staff, including nurses and behavioral therapists, are needed to ensure these students are being given the care and attention they need in a safe learning environment.
Some of the best ways to develop critical thinking skills in our students is by having Socratic Discussion in the classroom. An approach could include teachers encouraging students to participate in class debates and discussions where students are required to defend their position(s), and teachers could incorporate problem-based learning that forces students to investigate and solve complex problems.
My top 3 priorities for the school board are fighting for higher wages for FCPS teachers, advocating for parent’s rights and school choice, and finally demanding more transparency and solutions for our special education program. I pledge to use my vote on the Board to support school policies that uplift and empower teachers and parents for the betterment of students.
Campaign Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/@navian_scarlett4frederick
Contactname
Navian Scarlett
Campaign Phone
240-512-4774
Current Profession
Cash Office Associate
To implement the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, I will propose the use of marketing, scholarship programs, and career advancement opportunities to harbor interest to increase recruitment and retention of FCPS staff to handle the staff shortage. Funds retained from less outsourcing, can fund increased wages, staffing to handle excess workload, more funding for Special Education, and more facilities with the expansion of Pre-K, to handle the disparity of facilities available in Frederick County.
To trust teachers to implement strategies, they know will work for student engagement, interest, and proficiency in
their classrooms. In addition, the curriculum must be reviewed, and upon review, adjusted to ensure students are being taught subjects that will enhance their education, and prepare them for the future.
Based on my research of proficiency, among special education students we need to evaluate the curriculum, and ensure that Special Education students are properly prepared for assessment, and overall increasing proficiency. In addition, hiring additional staff to handle the workload on Special Education teachers, will be vital to ensuring their focus on the needs of their students and their academic success.
By incorporating STEM in our curriculum, we can challenge students to create solutions for real-world problems using innovative, and creative thinking. In addition, students will harbor more interest in learning, because they are able to utilize their skills for problem solving. We can incorporate more opportunities for growth, and success as seen with Project Paradigm, which offers scholarships to students that use creativity, and innovation to propose a solution to a real world problem.
As a survivor of a shooting at Frederick High School in 2015, I want to ensure school safety. In addition, enhancing effective bullying prevention policies, accessible and affordable mental health resources for students. My priorities align with ensuring that the student, teacher, and parent voice is accounted for in every decision, to improve the Frederick County school system for all.
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Campaign Instagram
votevigdotcom
Contactname
Angie Vigliotti
Campaign Phone
304-596-4147
Current Profession
Individual Intensive Support Services
Other
TikTok Angie Vigliotti BOE
Review the current funding that the state is providing to Frederick County. Specifically ask for pre-k expansion, COLA increases for educators and support staff, special education, and career readiness. Consult with MSDE if the Oversight board calculations are taken into account the exponential growth in our county. Consult with the County Executive concerning the funding by Maintenance of Effort given to FCPS and advocate for more if needed.
Work with experts to develop a comprehensive civics curriculum that covers topics such as the Principles of Democracy, the Constitution, and active citizenship. Develop partnerships with local government organizations like the local Board of Elections to provide students with opportunities for real-world civic engagement. Assist local leaders to offer intern opportunities related to civics. Integrate technology and media literacy skills into civics education.
Ensure that Special Education programs and services are adequately funded and resourced to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities and the requirements set by the Department of Justice. Recommend necessary tools, such as co-regulation and trauma-informed care at the general education level and more intensive education like Ukeru in special education programs. Collaborate with SECAC, parents, and advocacy groups to identify and address gaps in services.
Help incorporate technological inquiry-based learning into the curriculum, encouraging students to question assumptions and practice evidence-based research. Promote learning experiences that encourage students to look for real world solutions. Provide events for students to engage in problem-solving activities. Hold discussions that require them to evaluate different perspectives. Encourage students to join debate and mock trial teams.
Ensure that every student, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to high-quality education and resources to support their success for the future. Prioritize the mental and social-emotional well-being of students and advocate for proper funding and reform of Special Education. Build strong partnerships with parents, educators, and the community to foster open communication and work with our local government so they are providing for the needs of our educators.
Current Profession
Teacher
contact name
Chad Wilson
1. Advocate with and engage with elected officials to fully fund the Blueprint
2. Work to staff Special Education and ELL fully
3. Find more providers for Pre-K Mandate implementation and fully staff/fund Infants, Toddlers, and Full-day Pre-K.
4. Increase educator's wages, improve working conditions and time
5. Work to make CTE pathways more viable
6. Analysis of Recruitment of Diverse Educators
In terms of curriculum, it is essential to include action research projects that allow students to examine, collaborate, and find solutions to problems within their communities. FCPS schools should establish programs that enable students to work with community organizations on volunteer projects in Frederick. As an educator, I strongly believe that we should also teach civil discourse, providing students with a platform to communicate and gain a better understanding of public issues.
We should prioritize staffing based on students' needs and hire staff directly through FCPS. Maintain an appropriate caseload ratio for our special educators and provide them with professional pay. Ensure a learning-conducive environment and focus on student-centered instruction based on their Special Education programs.
Culturally responsive teaching methods are vital for developing critical thinking skills in students. It involves incorporating their cultural backgrounds, families, and communities into the curriculum. Establishing strong relationships between students and teachers is crucial. Learning about different racial and ethnic perspectives can promote cross-cultural understanding. A safe learning environment where students can express their ideas without fear of criticism is essential.
It is essential to adequately staff and equip our special education programs with the necessary resources and funding to provide the highest-quality education to students with special needs.
We must offer professional compensation, world-class benefits, and respect to attract diverse educators, administrators, and support staff to their communities.
We will protect students' rights, ensure adequate learning spaces, and facilitate transparent communication to promote academic achievement.
Current Profession
Self Employed Creator/Musician
Since all education is based on words and concepts---that is where any improvement in education would have to start!
A vocabulary pretest should be given to all students to find their level of comprehension in conjunction with the curriculum of each grade. As it makes no sense to push a student past misunderstood concepts, an individualized checksheet would be presented at the point of the student's level of comprehension. From there, students can gradiently and purposefully progress.
All Schools need to implement classroom rules based on the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional Articles and Amendments that pertained to a community of students. Each class, (along with the Teacher being the Executive) could set up a "mini-country" within the classroom. The early grades may have to be closely guided, but most children can grasp the concept of rules / rule makers, and making judgements about what is fair and good discipline. As students matured, other "hats" could be worn.
In my experience as a Special Education teacher and Music Therapist, I found every child responds to music and to movement. Teachers need to follow each child's interest and teach in their individual mode of learning. Many senses need to be incorporated with each lesson. Mimicry Drills and Mirroring of movements has worked wonders with lower level students. Discipline needs to be individualized, predictable and consistent for each individual.
Critical thinking is developed best in real life situations: Complete observation and understanding of the surroundings; what is readily observed and how to gather or research missing information that each problem/situation presents.
Learning Correct Observation Skills, Practical Life Skills (such as cooking, making simple repairs, how to organize, along with Research and Communication Abilities should give students a good base for critical thinking.
1-Teacher Acknowledgements and Enhancements;
2-Students' Understandings and Application of Concepts.
3-Transparency in Community and Parental Involvement.
Maryland's Declaration of Rights says in Article. 43. "That the Legislature ought to encourage the diffusion of knowledge and virtue, the extension of a judicious system of general education, the promotion of literature, the arts, sciences, agriculture, commerce and manufactures, and the general melioration of the condition of the People..."
