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• Strategic Planning

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  • Master Plan (2003-2008)
  • Master Plan Update 2007-2008
  • Technology Plan

2007 - 2008 Highlights

Worcester County Public Schools is making a positive difference for the children of Worcester County.  The goal of the school system is to ensure that each child achieves, progresses, and succeeds.  Below are a few basic facts which describe Worcester County Public Schools: 

• The school system has some of the lowest class sizes in Maryland, with middle and high schools averaging a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:20 and elementary schools averaging 1:19.
 
• All of our schools made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, based on 2007 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) results.
 
• All of our schools are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, making Worcester County Public Schools only one of two Maryland school systems to be fully accredited.
 
• Half of our eligible schools are Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (Ocean City, Showell, and Snow Hill Elementary Schools and Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and Stephen Decatur High Schools).  Our school system has the highest percentage of blue ribbon schools compared to any other school system in Maryland.
 
• Three of our schools are National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence (Ocean City, Showell, and Snow Hill Elementary Schools).
 
• The 2007 Maryland Teacher of the Year teaches for Worcester County Public Schools (Michelle Hammond, Stephen Decatur Middle School).
 
• Our school system ranks first in the state (out of 24 school systems) in Grades 3, 6, 7, and 8, and ranks second in the state in Grade 4, on the 2007 Mathematics MSA.  (NCLB requires Grades 3 through 8 to participate in state testing, along with students who complete Algebra/Data Analysis and English II.) 

• Our school system ranks first in the state (out of 24 school systems) in Grades 3 and 8, and ranks second in the state in Grade 7, on the 2007 Reading MSA.  (NCLB requires Grades 3 through 8 to participate in state testing, along with students who complete Algebra/Data Analysis and English II.) 

• Worcester County Public Schools ranks first in the state in 7 or the 9 subgroups in Mathematics at the middle school level.  (Source: 2006 Master Plan Annual Update)
 
• 81% of the school system's Operating Budget is spent on instruction and instructional programs.
 
• Over 80% of the graduating seniors attend college or special training schools.
 
• The school system has one of the lowest dropout rates in the state (at 1.14%).

• The 2007 graduating class was offered over $12 million in merit-based scholarships.
 
• In our annual Parent Survey, 98% of our parents indicate that the school system provides a quality education.
 
• 97% of parents surveyed indicate that our schools are safe and orderly.
 
• Pocomoke and Snow Hill High Schools were named 2007 MCROTC Naval Honor Schools. (This is the fourth year for Pocomoke High School and the eighth year for Snow Hill High School.)
 
• Our sports teams excel, with 1A State Champions in Boys Soccer (Pocomoke High School) and Field Hockey (Pocomoke High School).
 
• The school system has ten National Board Certified teachers and the number of participants is growing.
 
• The school system employs a staff of 1,173 competent and motivated individuals who have high expectations for themselves and others.

• Worcester County Public Schools is one of only four Maryland school systems to have at least 95 percent of classes taught by highly qualified teachers.  (Source:  2006 Master Plan Annual Update)
 
• The student-to-computer ratio is 2.8:1, and the ratio continues to improve.
 
• Superintendent Dr. Jon Andes was the Maryland Superintendent of the Year (2001), a National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award recipient (2001), a Maryland Minority Achievement Award recipient (2004), and a Maryland University Leadership Award recipient (2007).
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