• Discipline Rates
• Title I Status
• Quarterly Assessments scores - English
• Quarterly Assessments scores - Mathematics
• PARCC Scores - Mathematics (Elementary grades 3, 4, 5)
• PARCC Scores - English Language Arts (Elementary grades 3, 4, 5)

 Key Challenges to Student Success

Key Challenge #1: Quarterly Assessments Scores - English/Language Arts and Mathematics

At Marley, we are focused on delivering mathematics instruction that is based in problem solving and the incorporation of Concrete, Representational, Abstract (CRA) instructional strategies. CRA strategies and techniques include the use of concrete manipulatives such as counters, fraction bars, and place value tools; drawings and sketches of mathematical concepts; and traditional methods to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Collaboration, questioning, and discussion are also key components of  math instruction. 

Reading instruction is differentiated to provide students with instruction at their designated reading level. Teachers regularly assess student progress in the areas of comprehension and fluency during guided reading lessons and provide immediate feedback to students on areas of growth and need. Writing is embedded throughout the instructional day to provide students with the tools needed to communicate ideas effectively.  

Marley Elementary School is designated as a Targeted Assistance Title I School. Our school receives additional funding to address the needs of the lowest performing students in grades K-5. Support for these students includes additional resource teachers in the areas of reading and mathematics who provide intervention lessons to these students.   

Despite these targeted efforts, student achievement as measured by District-Wide Quarterly Assessments continues to be a concern. According to Mathematics Quarterly Assessment data, Marley Elementary students in grades 3-5 scored below the district average in 10 out of 13 standards in the area of Number and Operations Base Ten standards. According to District-Wide Reading Quarterly Assessment data, Marley Elementary students in grades 3-5 scored below the district average in 12 out of 12 standards in the area of Language Standards. 

Our school staff is working to develop methods to analyze data more strategically in an effort to address student achievement and progress needs more effectively. [Indicators 5,6]

Key Challenge # 2: Significant increase/reduction in student enrollment numbers

Our school has grown considerably in the last decade due to increased construction of new homes in nearby neighborhoods.The Marley Elementary School community is constantly evolving. Marley Elementary School currently is home to approximately 860 students, making our school currently the largest elementary school in Anne Arundel County. This population increase has contributed to school construction projects to accommodate students. 

Our school community has responded to the increase in student enrollment and the nationwide focus on social-emotional needs of elementary-aged students with the inclusion of additional support staff. During the 2018-2019 school year, Marley was assigned an additional school counselor to address the needs of our growing school community. While this staffing has assisted the school community greatly, there is still a need for additional support. Addressing the social-emotional needs of our youngest learners in grades K-2 is of paramount importance, and this area of need is being addressed district-wide through efforts and initiatives spearheaded by the Early Childhood and Student Services divisions. Additionally, our school has begun to implement Restorative Practices and PBIS to assist in this area of need. [Indicator 3]

• Socio-Economic Issues (employment, income levels, housing costs)
• Businesses/Job Market
• Limited English proficiency for students and/or families
• Families in Crisis (mental, physical emotional, financial)
• Inclusion of Support Staff

• Socio-economic community issues (employment, income levels, housing costs)
• Significant changes over time in student/community demographics
• Significant increase/reduction in student enrollment numbers