A recent report released by The Foundation for Educational Excellence titled Building a Bright Future: Understanding College Readiness in Baltimore City Public Schools includes useful indicators and building blocks for College and Career readiness. The study of indicators was conducted in conjunction with a City Speaks listening campaign that explored standards and expectations for students of Baltimore City Public Schools.
This study was conducted in response to startling district data: 72% of Baltimore City’s 2011 graduates who entered college the fall after high school graduation required remedial math classes. Thirty-eight percent (38%) needed remedial writing, and 35% needed remedial reading.
As a result of this honest conversation with stakeholders in Baltimore City’s Schools, the Foundation has published a road map of indicators for all students and parents, which outlines expected progress of students, from Pre-K through 12th grade. These indicators will be useful for educators and families in all districts, not just Baltimore City. Key building blocks at each grade level include the following:
- Early Childhood – Enrollment in a quality Pre-K program
- Elementary – Reading proficiency and ability to divide both whole numbers and fractions in third grade.
- Middle Grades – Pass algebra with a ‘C’ or better in 8th grade
- High School – Score at least 550 per subject test on the SAT; pass an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam with a score of ‘3’ or better
For the report, see Baltimore City Schools’ College Readiness Building Blocks.
