Test Scores, Attendance Improve In Baltimore County Schools

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County schools made progress with their test scores and attendance rates last school year, but there's still work to be done.

WMAR reported that Baltimore County Public Schools posted its second consecutive year of stronger test scores. WMAR said 80 schools improved in both English and math proficiency, and nine of 10 student groups improved in both subjects.

WBAL NewsRadio said BCPS trails the statewide math proficiency rate by over five points. The statewide rate is 26%, but WBAL said Baltimore County is at 20.5%.

BCPS Superintendent Myriam Rogers is partnering with a math practitioner advisory group to focus on middle school math and algebra, WBAL said.

"It gives us data based on individual standards," Rogers said at a Tuesday press conference, according to WBAL. "Where are our students finding problems and that's important for our teachers who are teaching that grade level for the building."

Students must be in school to make improvements, and Rogers reported encouraging news regarding attendance.

WMAR said 120 BCPS schools reduced chronic absenteeism last academic year, and all student groups improved on that front.

This school year, BCPS started sending grade and attendance reports to families every Friday.

"We hope that these reports will help families to support their children's attendance and academic progress throughout the school year and become stronger partners with the schools," Rogers said, according to WMAR.

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