State and School District Collaborations: A Matter of Urgency for Improving Educational Opportunities of Underserved Schools and Students

• In Event: Collaboration in Reform Implementation and Sustainability

Abstract

In 2009, Maryland was awarded one of the federal government’s Race to the Top (RTTT) grants, receiving $250 million in 2010 (MSDE, n.d.2). Using RTTT funds, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) established the Breakthrough Center (BTC) to provide support and resources to low performing schools across three districts, including the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS). Drawing from data collected to evaluate RTTT grant implementation, we investigate the dynamics of the state’s partnership with BCPSS to create sustainable interventions to improve teaching, learning, and family engagement in these schools. We examine the roles of BTC and BCPSS; the nature of the partnership between the BTC and BCPSS; and the capacity BTC built within BCPSS to support struggling schools.

Authors

• Caroline Titan, University of Maryland - College Park

• Bradley Quarles, University of Maryland College Park

• Claudia Lucia Galindo, University of Maryland - College Park