WCPS reviews literacy, AP, dual‑credit and CTE results in strategic priorities update

Doctor Willow, a Washington County Public Schools staff presenter, updated the Board on progress under the district’s first two strategic priorities — student success and access and opportunity — highlighting literacy gains in kindergarten through second grade and record AP pass rates.

The presentation summarized multiple assessment systems and program outcomes. “So this presentation is really about updating our first 2 strategic priorities, which center around student success and access and opportunities,” Doctor Willow said, introducing data on DIBELS (K–2 literacy), MCAP (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program), Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual credit and career and technical education (CTE).

Willow told the board kindergarten students rated “well below benchmark” on the beginning‑of‑year DIBELS at 32 percent and that figure fell to 22 percent by end of year, and that the district saw increases in the share of students at or above benchmark across most K–2 categories. On MCAP, Willow explained the state test is given once in spring with scores returned to families the following fall. “We have proficient, distinguished, developing, and beginning,” Willow said, describing proficiency bands used in state reporting.

On Advanced Placement, Willow said the district posted its highest overall AP pass rate in 25 years, with a 68.7 percent pass rate (scores of 3–5), and noted strong results in subjects including precalculus and English language and literature. “We went back 25 years and 68.7 percent pass rate is our highest overall pass rate in 25 years,” Willow said.

Willow described dual credit participation and outcomes, reporting 2,298 unique students were enrolled in dual‑credit courses in 2024–25 who collectively took 6,644 courses. The board was told semester pass rates for dual credit were high (around the mid‑90s percent), with in‑building courses showing slightly better pass rates than on‑campus courses at Hagerstown Community College. “So to have a 90% success rate is really powerful,” Willow said.

On CTE, staff reported growth in concentrator counts (students who complete advanced levels in a CTE pathway) and in industry recognized credentials (IRCs). Willow said the district administered 702 IRCs in the most recent year, up from 586 the previous year, and listed high‑demand credentials including forklift operator, certified nursing assistant, and Cisco cybersecurity technician certifications.

Willow and board members stressed areas for continued attention. Attendance emerged as a crosscutting concern: Willow cautioned that students who miss school rarely make up the learning lost and that absenteeism correlates with lower achievement on AP, MCAP and CTE measures. “Our students who are missing are not achieving at a high level on those assessments,” Willow said.

Board member Mister Evans asked how kindergarten through second grade performance changed by grade; Willow explained measurement differences across DIBELS and emphasized the district’s tutoring investments in K–1. Willow also described counseling and scheduling practices used to advise students considering dual credit or AP, and said the board‑paid tuition policy (with a 25 percent discount) influenced student exam participation.

The presentation closed with a summary slide listing strengths (K–2 literacy growth, AP and dual‑credit successes) and areas for growth (attendance, MCAP math and ELA proficiency, and increasing CTE concentrators and IRC attainment). Willow said staff will continue tracking progress and refining supports.

The board asked follow‑up questions and requested additional trend data for public reporting.