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2000 ANNUAL REPORT
Message from the
Chairman / Executive Summary
Maryland and the MBRT
have every reason to be proud of the direction, innovations, leadership, and foundation
for change that have been set to achieve school reform and prepare its children for
success in the 21st century. Through the MBRT, business has led the charge for
higher standards and improved student achievement and has provided a voice of reason and
urgency.
As you will see in this
report, our efforts in collaboration with educators, elected officials, parents, and
community leaders are producing tangible and, at times, amazing results.
Education in Maryland
is changing. Thanks to the vision and fortitude of State Superintendent Nancy
Grasmick and the State Board of Education - and the strong voice of business - standards
are higher, student achievement is being assessed, and schools are being held accountable.
Students are expected to learn more rigorous coursework and perform at higher
levels. Teachers are working hard to ensure that students not only master the basics
but are able to apply their knowledge to solving real-life problems. Social
promotion is diminishing, and "getting by" is not good enough. Technology
is beginning to revolutionize the way teachers teach and how students learn.
More than 45% of
Maryland's students are meeting the rigorous standards in grades 3, 5 and 8 - compared to
31.7% in 1993. Eighty-three schools, some in low-income communities, are meeting and
exceeding standards. High school standards and assessments are being implemented.
Unlike those in many other states, Maryland school reform efforts remain intact and
have been continuously improved and strengthened.
MBRT believes that one
of the best roles for business to play is to work closely with schools, students and
parents, providing them with a realistic view of today's and tomorrow's workplace,
defining the skills necessary to succeed in it, and reinforcing the correlation between
high academic performance and success in the workplace and in life.
Achievement Counts is
sending a powerful message to students that what they do in school counts and will affect
their futures; to parents that their involvement in their children's education is the most
important ingredient for success; and to business that recognizing student achievement is
in their long-term best interest. In 2000,
25,000 high school
freshmen heard first-hand in small groups from 400 young business people how important
high school is to their future success in life.
Young, hip DJ
"Priestly" encouraged teens through his radio program and web site to do their
best in school.
A web site to provide
pointers to parents on how they can help their child succeed in school was launched by
MBRT and is being promoted by 182 businesses/organizations.
Technology in Schools
provides computer access and expertise to teachers and students that are resulting in
improved teaching, learning, data analysis, school management and workforce preparedness.
This year,
331 schools received
wiring, hardware, software and training (896 since 1997).
With the
groundbreaking on-line inventory of technology in schools, we have not only been able to
identify how technology is being used and where technology is sorely lacking in the state,
but we can clearly see if the digital divide follows poverty lines and if there is a
correlation between effective use of technology and increased student achievement.
Achievement Counts and
Technology in Schools are just two areas where Maryland businesses are having a remarkable
impact on improved learning. The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education is
making an unparalleled mark on the landscape of our future in the form of better schools,
a well-educated workforce, and opportunities for children. And, increasingly, the
MBRT is recognized nationally and locally as an expert on business involvement in
education and sought out for partnership, advice, presentations, collaboration, and
commendation.
The business community
knows that improving schools is vital to its very existence. Without a well-educated
citizenry and a better prepared workforce, its productivity, effectiveness and ability to
compete in the world market would be seriously compromised. Business must continue
to be that consistent, strong voice pushing for achievement of high standards, demanding a
system that prepares all students for the rigor of college and the workplace, and
challenging and motivating students to perform at high levels.
Together, we can do
what it takes to make achievement count.
-- Raymond A.
"Chip" Mason
Chairman, MBRT Board of Directors |
