• PARCC Scores - Mathematics (Elementary grades 3, 4, 5)
• PARCC Scores - English/Language Arts (Elementary grades 3, 4, 5)

Key Challenge #1:

Provide rigorous instructional opportunities to meet the diverse learning abilities and needs of all students.

Although trend data analysis in the areas of Mathematics and English/Language Arts indicates Folger students are performing above AACPS and PARCC averages, key data analysis points in the area of Mathematics support the need to deepen conceptual understanding of Math in order to solve rigorous word problems. We will use modeling and reasoning strategies to develop students’ abilities to become more effective mathematicians.  

In the area of English/Language Arts, key data analysis points support the need for students to comprehend text with greater depth and develop stamina in written expression.  We will focus on providing time to conference with students to assess reading and writing levels and provide students with challenging, engaging and enriching experiences with literature.  

The staff at Folger McKinsey Elementary School is committed to meeting the needs of all learners.  With the goal of uniquely challenging all learners, we collaborate with various content offices in AACPS to examine data points and determine instructional implications to appropriately differentiate our instruction. As an Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) school, we closely partner with the Advanced Learner Office.  Supports provided by the Advanced Learner Office include collaborative planning support and co-teaching. We believe that “teamwork makes the dream work” and take a collaborative approach to planning for instruction.       

• Inclusion of Clubs
• Continue to increase the sense of school community and Social Emotional Connectedness

Key Challenge #2:

Social-emotional learning

While our students excel and achieve tremendous success in many areas, the challenge some students face at Folger McKinsey is in finding a healthy balance between high academic performance and perfection. Even though our students arrive each day ready to learn and succeed, and we have an exceptional teaching staff and a highly supportive community, there are still challenges to student success. Our goal is to provide Folger McKinsey students with social-emotional skills to help them navigate everyday academic and social challenges. Through social-emotional learning, our students will develop self-awareness, self-control and interpersonal skills to be successful at school and in life. 

In collaboration with our PTO, the staff at Folger McKinsey Elementary School also strives to develop a learning climate with the “other people matter” mindset by participating in The Positivity Project.  This program empowers students to build positive relationships by recognizing the character strengths in themselves and others. Training students, staff and parents in The Positivity Project will cultivate a cohesively valued school community and develop the social emotional skills of our students.    (Indicator 1, 2, and 4)

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