News Release: Over 80 Percent of Prince George's County Schools Achieve Top Three Ratings on New State Accountability System

December 4, 2018
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — A total of 168 schools in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) — 83.6 percent — received the three highest ratings on Maryland’s new five-star system.

Elementary, middle, high and charter schools were among the high-performers. Designed to prepare all students for post-secondary success, the new accountability system is aligned with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and rates schools on a one- to five-star scale. The highest-performing schools receive a five-star rating.

“The state’s new accountability system provides a snapshot of how schools help students achieve success in the classroom and beyond. We will use it as a tool to strengthen teaching and learning,” said Dr. Monica Goldson, Interim Chief Executive Officer. “I am proud of Prince George’s County Public Schools’ continued progress. Every student deserves a five-star school. And we will do what it takes to help every school get there.”

A total of 192 schools were rated. Nine schools were ineligible for ratings according to the state’s criteria. The number of schools in each category is as follows:

• five-star — nine schools (seven elementary, one high and one charter)
• four-star — 75 schools (61 elementary, five middle, four high and six charter)
• three-star — 84 schools (55 elementary, 16 middle, nine high and three charter)
• two-star — 21 schools (eight elementary, three middle and 10 high)
• one-star — three high schools

Elementary schools include those with a kindergarten through eighth grade configuration.

The schools with a one-star rating, such as alternative and Evening High Schools, serve non-traditional students enrolled to gain high school credits towards graduation.

Results for individual schools may be found online on the PGCPS School Information Page and Maryland Report Card. The school system’s website also includes ESSA information and resources.

The new Maryland Report Card includes student achievement growth on state tests in English Language Arts and math; postsecondary readiness; proficiency for English language learners; graduation rate; and students with access to and earning credit for a well-rounded curriculum. In future years, the ratings will include science and social studies achievement and the results of a student/faculty climate survey.

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