TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Public Schools on Wednesday announced new initiatives to enhance student learning.

BCPS elementary school students will soon have access to supplementary online programs in English language arts and mathematics. In addition, a new tutoring program will support students at all grade levels who earned low scores on last school year’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments and students who had low levels of participation in virtual learning during the spring.

The initiatives will begin in October.

All elementary school students will have access to the supplemental online programs RAZKids for English language arts and First in Math for mathematics.

Students at all grade levels who might need additional support will be identified by their schools to participate in a new tutoring program. Selected students will be given access to supplemental online programs and be supported by BCPS teachers or paraprofessionals from their schools who will act as tutors and monitor their progress. The tutors will check in with students weekly, communicate with their families, and provide one-on-one or small group virtual assistance when needed. Middle and high school students participating in the tutoring program will have access to the supplemental online programs READ180 for English language arts, and Ascend Math for mathematics.

“We realize that the abrupt shift to virtual learning in the spring and the many ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic have been more challenging for some students and families than others,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “I am pleased that we will be able to offer additional support to help these students move forward academically. These new initiatives are well-aligned with Focus Area 1: Learning, Accountability, and Results of our new strategic plan, The Compass.”

Elementary schools will appoint three tutors per school; one for mathematics and two for English language arts. Each middle school and high school will appoint one mathematics tutor and one English language arts tutor. The tutors will complete required professional development before the program begins.