PGCPS outlines supports for 24 CSI schools; principals describe strategies to boost attendance and instruction

Prince George's County Public Schools presented its districtwide approach to supporting 24 schools designated as Comprehensive Support and Improvement schools during the Feb. 10 Academic Achievement Committee meeting, and three principals described on‑the‑ground strategies to improve attendance, instruction and school leadership.

The Maryland State Board of Education designates Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) status. Kia McDaniel, director of curriculum and instruction, told the committee that PGCPS currently has 24 CSI schools: 15 elementary, three middle, three K–8 and three high schools. "A CSI school stands for a comprehensive support and improvement school," McDaniel said.

PGCPS staff said the district combines cross‑departmental coaching, principal institutes, targeted professional development and community schools funding to help CSI schools meet state exit targets. McDaniel described a biweekly steering committee that coordinates supports across Accountability, Academics, area teams and Title I and said the district has launched a cross‑departmental school plan review protocol. "We want to make sure that we are eradicating…