FCPS outlines districtwide ‘science of learning’ training under Maryland code

Frederick County Public Schools leaders told the Curriculum and Instruction Committee that the district will roll out a districtwide baseline training on the "science of learning" this school year to comply with Maryland Code guidance and to align evidence‑informed teaching practices across classrooms.

Corinne Myers, director of leadership and organizational development, and Kent Weitzel, teacher specialist for leadership and organizational development, described a multi-part plan that includes a 45-minute foundational session for all teachers, optional four-session deep-dive series for paid teacher participants, micro-credentials, and a grant of $700 per school to buy classroom materials tied to the science-of-learning work. "The science of learning is really an emerging field," Kent Weitzel said in the presentation.

Why it matters: Maryland Code requires that teachers receive advanced training on the science of learning; FCPS leaders said the district view this as a chance to standardize core concepts (how memory works, attention and practice architecture) and to connect that knowledge to the district’s high-quality instructional materials and classroom practice.

Program design and partners

Presenters described longstanding partnerships — including with the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL), Deans for Impact and Hood College — that have informed local professional learning. FCPS said it has offered short "quick bite" modules and multi-module courses that lead to a micro-credential; staff reported that several hundred staff have participated in coursework and that those with micro-credentials are being used as local facilitators.

Planned rollout and supports

District leaders said instructional leaders already have a 45-minute module that covers foundational concepts (model of the mind, how memory works) and that principals and coaches can schedule that session for staff this fall. The district will offer a four-session series focused on attention, memory and practice architecture; grant funds will allow schools to purchase materials the school identifies as supportive of the science-of-learning work.

Assessment, coaching and tools

FCPS presented a plan to publish an FCPS "walk-throughs" website with cluster tools and observation protocols that let coaches and leaders examine particular instructional strategies in detail. The walk-through tools are intended to pair with high‑quality instructional materials and give leaders shared language for feedback.

Connections to teacher preparation and hiring

Staff said the district’s consortium work with Hood College led that institution to integrate learning-science concepts into its teacher-preparation program, creating better alignment between prospective hires’ preparation and FCPS professional expectations.

What’s next

District leaders said they will run the 45-minute foundational session for all teachers this year, offer optional paid deep-dive cohorts, distribute micro-credential opportunities, and make $700 school-level grants available for materials. No formal action was taken during the presentation.