UMD, Prince George’s Schools Sign Partnership Focused on K–12 Improvement

A partnership signed yesterday by the College of Education and Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will create joint faculty appointments, increase teacher and school leader training, and prioritize using evidence-based approaches to solving challenges such as the achievement gap and absenteeism.

The new PGCPS/UMD Improvement Science Collaborative, based in the college’s Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement, will bring together researchers and experts with practitioners and school leaders and provide innovative educational and professional opportunities for graduate students as well as employees of the college and the district. PGCPS is one of the nation's 25 biggest school districts, and the second-largest in Maryland, with more than 135,000 students.

“We are committed to the success of Prince George’s public school students and teachers, and this new partnership will extend our relationship and help achieve these goals,” said University of Maryland President Wallace D. Loh. “We will become partners in classroom innovation and professional leadership training. It will also help increase the pipeline of Prince George’s students to the university.”

The goal is “authentic collaboration,” said Segun Eubanks, the center’s director. “In this model, PGCPS helps set and inform the research agenda, so that we can ensure that university research tackles the district’s most pressing needs and that we work directly with the district to implement research based practices.”

One innovative aspect of the partnership is a dual appointment model, where university faculty hold joint appointments in the school district, and district leaders serve on the university faculty as visiting professors or fellows. This model exists in few locations in the country, Eubanks said.

The collaborative will also focus on the preparation of high-quality teachers and leaders, in line with the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission, which examined Maryland K–12 education practices, policies and funding to improve students’ college and career readiness.

“The Kirwan Commission has underscored the importance of addressing school improvement in Maryland,” said College of Education Dean Jennifer King Rice. “At the University of Maryland College of Education, we are excited to be on the leading edge of this work through the design of innovative teacher and leader preparation programs that are responsive to the needs of our local school systems. Through this partnership, we will create a pipeline of highly effective and diverse educators who are prepared to address issues and challenges germane to PGCPS.”

Other highlights of the collaborative include:

• Doctorate of Education in School System Leadership Program, in which PGCPS school system leaders work collaboratively to address a problem in their school system while earning their doctorate.
• School Improvement Leadership Certificate Program, which a second class of PGCPS teachers will complete in June.
• Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Project/Improvement Leadership Education and Development (iLEAD), in which COE graduates, PGCPS school leaders, UMD faculty and outside experts study school improvement research and lead networks in school districts that address local problems.
• Professional learning opportunities for UMD and PGCPS faculty and staff.
• A postdoctoral network that will join Ed.D. program graduates with UMD faculty and other PGCPS school leaders to continue to address school issues and improve student outcomes.
• Data sharing and joint publication.

“As the state’s flagship public university, the University of Maryland is uniquely positioned to support Prince George’s County Public Schools in our efforts to improve teaching and learning,” said Monica E. Goldson, school system CEO. “We are grateful for the university’s continued partnership as we work to enhance academic excellence and opportunities for higher learning across the school system.”