Too Much Government, Too Little Reality: The Blueprint’s Empty Promises Are Catching Up
From the moment the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was introduced, I expressed concern about its feasibility. While the goals of the Blueprint are noble (a world-class education for every student in Maryland) the reality is, it is unrealistic, and everyone knows it. Everyone knew it then. Ambitious plans often falter when they deplete resources available …
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Are Maryland’s Star Ratings Misleading Parents About School Performance?
The Maryland State Department of Education recently released the 2023-24 Maryland School Report Card, showcasing the performance of public schools across the state. Schools are rated on a one-to-five-star scale based on factors such as academic achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and student and teacher surveys. However, the results present a curious disconnect between high star …
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Federal Guidance on Cell Phones in Schools: Policy Fix or More Problems?
The U.S. Department of Education has released a 35-page guide, Planning Together: A Playbook for Student Personal Device Policies, calling on schools, districts, and states to adopt policies governing the use of student personal devices such as cell phones. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance student focus and safety while addressing …
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The Hidden Cost of Metal Detectors and Cell Phone Bans in Schools: A Punch Heard Around the Country
The October 16 incident at Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio, has sparked national conversation about the enforcement of school security measures and the role of school resource officers (SROs). What began as an attempt to direct a student through a metal detector ended with the student being punched multiple times by a police officer—a …
Maryland’s New Active Shooter Drill Guidelines Tries to Balance Safety and Mental Health
Maryland’s New Active Shooter Drill Guidelines Aim to Balance Safety and Mental Health As school safety continues to be a priority, Maryland is adopting new active shooter drill guidelines designed to ensure preparedness without compromising the mental well-being of students and staff. These updates, prompted by a new state law, reflect growing concerns about the …
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Missed Warning: How a Gun Passed School Screening and Threatened Safety
Recent events at Ambridge Area Middle School in Pennsylvania highlight a troubling dynamic in school safety—one that underscores the challenges of defining and executing the roles of educators and law enforcement in school environments. A 13-year-old student reportedly brought a loaded gun to school on consecutive days, bypassing metal detectors and threatening classmates. This incident …
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Elena McComas Wins Reelection: What’s Next for Worcester County Schools?
The Worcester County Board of Education District 5 election was a closely contested and significant race that drew attention to some very important issues in education. Incumbent Elena McComas was reelected with 54% of the vote, a victory that highlighted her ability to connect with the community and communicate her past successes for WCPS as …
Elena McComas Wins Reelection: What’s Next for Worcester County Schools? Read More »
