Hagerstown, MD (December 3, 2019) - According to today’s release of the Maryland Report Cards, Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) ranks fifth in the state for schools performing at the two highest levels, improving two positions from the previous year. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) reports 87.5 percent of WCPS schools performing at the two highest levels, with eight schools achieving a five-star rating and 27 schools earning four stars. MSDE recently published updated Maryland Report Cards with performance data for all public schools in the state. 

The report cards show how schools scored on Maryland’s accountability measures during the 2018-2019 school year. Elementary and middle schools earn points for academic achievement, academic progress, the progress of students who are learning the English language, and other measures of school quality and student success. High schools earn points for academic achievement, graduation rate, the progress of students who are learning the English language, post-secondary success, and other measures of school quality and student success. The points schools earn determine their overall ratings, which range from one to five stars, and their percentile rankings, which compare schools to one another across the state.

This year, the Maryland Report Card measures included two additional components in determining performance data. Academic progress indicators for elementary and middle schools now include student performance on fifth and eighth grade state science assessments. In addition, results from the Maryland School Survey for students and educators are included in the school quality and student success indicator at all levels. This is the first time the survey was administered to collect information regarding school climate and culture in the areas of safety, community, environment, and relationships. 

“I am proud of the outstanding efforts of students and staff, which resulted in more than 80 percent of our schools meeting the highest rating levels, especially in consideration of this year’s additional performance measures. There are many reasons to celebrate in our schools,” says Dr. Boyd Michael, superintendent of schools. “The report card also gives us useful information to determine what is working for the success of our students and to evaluate where our students may need additional support.”

Melissa Williams, president of the Washington County Board of Education, adds, “Our students and staff continue to make Washington County proud with their success in the performance indicator areas. I thank our dedicated staff, and I appreciate the hard work of our students. I look forward to working with my fellow board members, Superintendent Michael, and school leaders to determine the best path forward in promoting sound instructional practices and strategies that will result in student success and achievement.”

MSDE releases the report card data annually. Statewide data and more information for specific schools can be found at MdReportCard.org.