Join Us

After learning about the Blueprint and its power to transform Maryland’s education system and provide a world-class education for ALL students, please join WCGMD to support the successful realization of the Blueprint’s promises. Because we are volunteers with limited resources, we are currently sharing our passions and skills in these areas: *Early Childhood, especially prebirth to 3; *Workforce Development; *School and Community Support; and *Advocacy. What do you bring to this important effort? Share your time, skills, passions and experiences. Here is a list of actions you may take to support this effort. *Learn about us and other similar organizations; *Learn about how your local school district is implementing the Blueprint; *Write letters; *Make phone calls; *Attend School Board Meetings; *Meet with your State Representatives; *Attend committee hearings; *Help frame our content; *Write News releases, article and OpEds; *Visit your neighborhood school; *Is it a Community School?

To help you decide how you might contribute to our work, the following provides information about specific areas of focus for WCGMD.

Early Childhood, especially prebirth to 3

The key to lifelong learning, which is required in the 21st Century, is what happens pre-birth to kindergarten. We have an emphasis on this vital time in life. If you think your skills and interests could be useful in addressing this period in our children’s lives, please complete the form at the bottom of this page with a subject of Pre-K and provide any additional information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.

Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area. *Attend Early Childhood workshops and conferences; *Learn more about Early Childhood issues in your county and in Maryland; *Visit or volunteer at a Family Support Center; *Promote reading and other kindergarten readiness activities; *Advocate for businesses to establish on-site or nearby child care or provide childcare subsidies or scholarships for employees.

K-10th Grade

In and out of school learning during the first 11 years of school will be the basis for all learning throughout life. Most will have several different careers during their working life, so this grounding is fundamental. If you think your skills and interests could be useful in addressing this period in our children’s lives, please complete the form at the bottom of this page with a subject of K-10 and provide any additional information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.

Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area. *Become aware of/promote awareness about county career programs; *Encourage business participation in Workforce activities; *Mentor students about career and college preparation.

Grades 11 and 12 - College and Career

This is a period when students are making a career choice including what it will take to be successful in their first career. Learning what is available and starting seriously down that road is important for every student. The society must be ready for them with 21st Century pathways to careers and training or college opportunities to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to succeed. We have interest in the speed with which these supports are developed and how they will be presented for all students to be able to participate. This is new and calls for new cooperation. If you think your skills and interests could be useful in addressing this period in our children’s lives, please complete the form at the bottom of this page with a subject of Grades 11 and 12 and provide any additional information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.

Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area. These include suggestions from the K-10 Grade listed above. *Become aware of/promote awareness about county career programs; *Encourage business participation in Workforce activities; *Mentor students about career and college preparation.

Teaching as a professional career, training and professional development

The migration of teaching to a top professional option in our society is essential for our society’s survival. Certification requirements for those preparing to enter the teaching profession and professional development specifications for those in the profession need to be updated to align with the needs and expectations of the Blueprint. Also, the implementation of the career ladder in our schools is a significant step in this direction. These issues need serious attention to ensure success of the Blueprint. If you think your skills and interests could be useful in addressing this important area, please complete the form at the bottom of this page with a subject of Teaching and provide any additional information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.

Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area. *Advocate for Teaching as a valued profession; Support pay scales that reflect teaching is a respected profession.

Equity

Maryland today is leaving billions of dollars on the table because of racism and other oppressions. The Blueprint must be implemented with the outcome, not just the intent, of EVERY child being successful. Society will benefit in countless ways that will be apparent to all citizens including how pleasant life becomes for all. Therefore, equity in all areas must be the goal. We want to ensure equity is embedded in all aspect of the Blueprint and our work. Our research, analysis and support for policies as well as our public interactions must have an equity focus. If you think your skills and interests could be useful in addressing this important area, please complete the form at the bottom of this page with a subject of Equity and provide any additional information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.

Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area. *Educate yourself about equity issues; *Notice data about student outcomes that reflect differences among identified groups and take appropriate actions; *Volunteer to tutor students who demonstrate the need for individual or small group attention.

Public Communications

WCGMD communicates the particulars of the Blueprint to all who will listen. It will take all Marylanders to support this paradigm shift in Maryland’s preparation to participate in the world economy by paying attention to the education of ALL citizens. WCGMD needs to be active on social media platforms to reach ALL. If you have appropriate skills and interests in helping to communicate with various stratum of citizens, please complete the form at the bottom of this page with a subject of Communications and provide any additional information you would like in the “I would like to” section of the form.

Here are some specific actions to consider if you want to be helpful in this area. *Direct WCGMD’s social media presence; *Maintain our website with up-to-date links to the AIB, MSDE, Strong Schools and other entities and to reports and articles; *Writing to communicate our findings and encourage participation in the full implementation of the Blueprint; *Plan Press Conferences to communicate important findings and planned actions.