Harford County (Map, News) - Harford County schools are hoping to tackle achievement gaps and reach more students through the “Best Bets” program, which trains teachers on tested methods for improving student participation and learning.

By focusing on building vocabulary, improving note-taking, summarizing topics and identifying similarities and differences, teachers can get their students to be more active participants and “take ownership” of their learning experience, said Jackie Tarbert, acting coordinator of curriculum and professional development.

“These are the things shown to have a high probability of improving student achievement, so let’s make them happen,” she said, citing research by Robert Marzano and Denver-based Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning.

For example, the “Best Bets” approach to note-taking pushes students to write down what the teacher is saying in one column, add their own ideas and notes in a second column, and summarize each page in a box at the bottom, Talbert said. Doing so keeps students more organized and more involved in the subject than traditional transcription-style note-taking.

Preliminary results from the Maryland State Assessment tests showed that Harford County’s black students are getting fewer passing scores on the federally-mandated math and reading tests than other students. Superintendent Jacqueline Haas pointed to the Best Bets program as an attempt to narrow that gap.

While there has not yet been an increase in test scores that can be attributed to the three-year-old program, officials remain hopeful that the approach can close the achievement gap and improve scores all around.

“One of the things all the ‘Best Bets’ have in common is that they force teachers to work on higher-level thinking,” said June Clark, an instructional facilitator at Magnolia Middle School and Joppatowne High School.

“We have a lot of struggling learners ... and they need every day, in every class, to think at a higher level so they can close that gap.”

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

10:59 PM MST on Sat., May. 3, 2008 re: "School librarian who stole from community may get off with no criminal record"

Another Examiner Reader said:
Jill Delisi is now a media assistant at Westbrook Elementary School in Bethesda.

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2:24 PM MST on Mon., Apr. 28, 2008 re: "Crackdown prompts student exodus to other counties"

Examiner Reader said:
Bravo Prince William. Now if we can get every other county in the US to do the same.

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4:41 PM MST on Sat., Apr. 26, 2008 re: "Crackdown prompts student exodus to other counties"

Examiner Reader said:
Corey Stewart is a true patriot. If only we could get the rest of Virginia to do this. I just love the fact that Alexandria is considering tax increases while also voluntarily serving as a sanctuary city and absorbing all of the law-breakers who have left Manassas. Thanks a lot Mayor Euille and cronies. We'll remember this election time. Hopefully we'll get our own Alexandria version of Corey Stewart before this goes on much longer.

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2:57 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 re: "BMX tricksters put Howard principals, students to the test"

lasalle student:) said:
i luv lane dude!!!!! he's freakin AMAZING!!!

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8:19 PM MST on Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 re: "Montgomery principal shuts down consulting side business"

Examiner Reader said:
Mr.Carrasco is the principal at my school, and it doesnt really surprise me at all, because you pretty rarely see him around school unless its screaming at us through a megaphone during lunch. I find it rather ironic that this is called "innovative principal" classes, and that he is the one teaching it. thats the most ridiculous part of all of this. if anyone needs a class like that its HIM.I hope hes fired for this, I think we all do.

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4:40 PM MST on Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 re: "Montgomery principal shuts down consulting side business"

Info Man said:
Google: save the principal. Documents and website are still there, although site in inactive. For the curious.

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3:56 PM MST on Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 re: "Montgomery principal shuts down consulting side business"

UrbanLad said:
I hope that MCPS did not pay for any teams to go. Considering the amount of money that Principals in MCPS are paid I'd expect a little more than 8 hour days. Regardless of whether there is a conflict. He should be fired. Non-negoitable

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6:38 PM MST on Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 re: "Montgomery principal shuts down consulting side business"

Disgusted RM Parent said:
Mr. Carrasco has got to go now. What else has he stolen from the school and the kids?

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9:40 AM MST on Mon., Mar. 17, 2008 re: "Baltimore County dominates Black Saga Competition"

Examiner Reader said:
You forgot to mention Westowne Elemantary, from Catonsville, they got the 9th place. We are so proud of them too.!!!!!!!!

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8:45 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 11, 2008 re: "Parents, students upset over public high school assignments"

Examiner Reader said:
Children should be able to walk to school. If neighborhood schools aren't good enough or big enough to accommodate them, isn't something wrong? Of course, make an exception for special programs, but why should a child have to take a bus or be driven across the city to get to a "good" school? The schools are all in the same district and we're all paying for them: why are they so unequal?

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12:23 PM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Parents, students upset over public high school assignments"

Examiner Reader said:
Wow, what awful grammar: " As a result, the competition was even fiercer: 82 percent was(sic) assigned one of their kindergarten picks, compared with 87 percent last year." were, honey, WERE

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8:19 AM MST on Mon., Mar. 10, 2008 re: "Parents, students upset over public high school assignments"

Examiner Reader said:
Both of Elaine Wong�s twins hoped to attend Lowell, but only one had the grades and test scores to make it. The other will attend Sacred Heart, but �is very upset � he really wants to go to Lowell.� ---what a fool.

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11:42 PM MST on Mon., Feb. 25, 2008 re: "Budget cuts force school sacrifices"

Examiner Reader said:
This is the best news we ever had. It is long overdue to fire teachers and restructure the schools. 10 and 20 percent pay raises cannot continue. Property taxes should be cut by 50 percent to start with and the mandate that no person getting a check from gov can get more that 50 percent of their pay in retirement and work at least to 62 and pay 1/3 of their medical. This goes for all of them.

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3:47 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 19, 2008 re: "Patterson Mill chooses mascot"

emily said:
i go to patterson mill and i love are new mascot!!! i think that this school is the best!!! o also chose the huskie to be are mascot!!! im in 6th grade and i have alot of friends here!!! as they say today we grow... tomorrow we lead!!!!!!!!!!!

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8:05 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 8, 2008 re: "Patterson Mill chooses mascot"

Examiner Reader said:
I currently go to Patterson Mill Middle/ High School. I am a sixth grade and I think that pirhana was the best choice, although I have learned to love the fierce Patterson Mill Huskies.

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12:33 PM MST on Mon., Jan. 28, 2008 re: "Alexandria school board may replace superintendent"

Examiner Reader said:
The writer should take a closer look at the personal histories of some of Perry's supporters on the Alexandria school board to get an idea about why bad personal behavior can be overlooked. Clue: One has a history of infidelity and lying under oath.

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10:03 AM MST on Fri., Jan. 18, 2008 re: "County to acquire Rosewood parcel"

Examiner Reader said:
The Rosewood was founded in 1888 as an institution for the mentally handicap. During this period from 1888 to the present, thousands of people went through the institution. While Rosewood was set up for what people felt were the right reasons, the institution greatly failed the people it was supposed to serve. Thousands died prematurely in horrific conditions at Rosewood during this period. The Governor recently closed the Rosewood facility in Owings Mills, leaving over 300 acres of valuable land open in Owings Mills. A few years ago, the Association of Jewish Charities purchased 55 of these acres to develop. It is rumored that they paid only $350,000 for the land. Most likely a large part of the remaining land will be purchased and developed. The tragedy of the development of these lands is not only the loss of the open lands and the low price that borders on political corruption that will most likely be paid, but the true tragedy is the forgotten victims of the Rosewood period. Ma

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10:59 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 10, 2008 re: "Teacher fired for questioning charter school"

Examiner Reader said:
This article is very true with the school putting false person on the roster to gain Govnt funds.Also falsely firing teachers that question their crooked system. I would have talks with these teachers before and after they get fired or just leave because of the running of the school. I make sure that my child IEP is being carried out that the only time teaching is done right. Tell me how are you going to have a security guard be a teacher? What strings were pulled for this to happen,,and the incidents that never get reported that I have been a witness to. MY children attend this very school because they had promise when they were opening that that they would have a music studio as an course for students that were going into this field. Turn out they just provided this studio and open it Oct "07" and they open the door to the school ,,when,,in "04",,wow my children have no interest for it now. I been wanted someone to bring this out a long time ago.

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3:45 AM MST on Thu., Dec. 27, 2007 re: "Mayor demands info on classroom assaults"

Examiner Reader said:
I am an Ohio teacher who was assaulted by a high school student with undisclosed mental illness who was taking an experimental pharmaceutical cocktail. It was an unprovoked attack, and had it not been for the other students in my class who put him down, he could have killed me. Teachers are held responsible and accountable for the safety of students. The violence in our schools has risen to the point that the safety of teachers and staff MUST be addressed now. The public needs to be aware that violent acts in schools are like rapes. The incidence of occurance to actual reporting is unbalanced.

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9:29 PM MST on Sat., Dec. 1, 2007 re: "Patterson Mill Middle and High schools near completion"

Examiner Reader said:
i go to PMHS and already it seems like it will be crowded once 11th and 12th graders are here the thing where a second school will be constucted and the existing building will be for all high schoolers is awsome!!!

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11:14 AM MST on Wed., Nov. 7, 2007 re: "Kaine focuses on bringing reform to America�s schools"

Examiner Reader said:
youre are the coolest gov. in the usa i salute for improving our schools you came to my school and looked at the ceilings have a great life...

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7:24 PM MST on Tue., Oct. 23, 2007 re: "Patterson Mill chooses mascot"

Ashley said:
Yeah baby...Patterson Mill Huskies!!!, i go to PMHS, its amazing, we are already undefeated in girls soccer and field hockey...Best school in harford county...

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7:32 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 12, 2007 re: "Parents angered, two faculty members transferred after 10-year-old girl�s death"

Kate cashion said:
i knew her her name was taryn marstyn and i really miss her i wish to see her again.

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7:32 PM MST on Fri., Oct. 12, 2007 re: "Parents angered, two faculty members transferred after 10-year-old girl�s death"

Kate cashion said:
i knew her her name was taryn marstyn and i really miss her i wish to see her again

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4:18 PM MST on Mon., Oct. 8, 2007 re: "Fairfax supervisor calls for agency reviews following girl�s death"

Examiner Reader said:
these people are nothing more than the mouth piece and agents to cover up the mistakes of the government agencies. To "look" into anything objectively will not be their goal, for death to this kinds of people is nothing more than "way" to get a plastic plague or a catchy job title. Remember these are the same group of people that would set up fake clinics to commit genocide under the pretense of "care", what good can they do?

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1:38 PM MST on Sat., Sep. 8, 2007 re: "GED classes give residents a chance to turn life around"

Examiner Reader said:
I stop going to school.Because my mother became ill.So I took care of her.Now I have kids of my own.My daughter just start pre school and my son is in middle school.It hurt that I can't help him with his homework.I am ready to get my education.

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1:38 PM MST on Sat., Sep. 8, 2007 re: "GED classes give residents a chance to turn life around"

Examiner Reader said:
I stop going to school.Because my mother became ill.So I took care of her.Now I have kids of my own.My daughter just start pre school and my son is in middle school.It hurt that I can't help him with his homework.I am ready to get my education.

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5:01 PM MST on Sat., Aug. 25, 2007 re: "Parents Organizing Parents to hold first rally on Board of Education steps"

Examiner Reader said:
Wow your issue Aug.25 was great. Filipino teachers are now recognized as teachers here in Baltimore City.There are parents who are still negative to the idea but believe me they have the compassion that our kids really need.I am happy they are there to give love in a a special way.

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12:52 PM MST on Sat., Aug. 11, 2007 re: "City College gets high marks in survey of top high schools"

Kara Buckler said:
I am going to baltimore city college this year. I am now going to the summer bridge program. It is awsome. People transfer, because city will take you to a place you have never been before, and as for Mr. Dawson he is the most kindest man I have ever met before, and he rocks. Believe I am one of his, well I shall say helpers, everyday! Go Mr.Dawson!!!!!!!

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5:19 PM MST on Wed., Aug. 1, 2007 re: "New Jesuit prep school recruits inner-city youth to attend"

Examiner Reader said:
I think there should be alot more schools like this.

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12:19 PM MST on Thu., Jul. 5, 2007 re: "New Jesuit prep school recruits inner-city youth to attend"

girlwithdreams7 said:
I am 14 and i will be attending the new Crist Rey Jesuit High School this fall. I am so excisted to know that i have gotten accepted to the school. I love the program and how flexible my scheduale will be. I can tell that the teachers and all staff are working hard to make this school project happen and become successful. I actually can't wait to go check it out this 2007-2008 school year. But i wonder if we are going to have proms and stuff. he school seems to be evry strict and that is a good thing. But will we do things like other public hih schools? I think the school seems awesome which is what brought my attention to it. But i also want to have 4 fun years of high school. I know the school will meet my standards any how. I think it's really cool that i can go to a private high school that my family and i can afford. I love it!

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1:29 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 27, 2007 re: "Mom to open South Carroll�s first Montessori school"

Examiner Reader said:
There is constant debate over the Montessori teaching philosophy in comparison to that of our conventional public school system especially when Montessori kids transition to middle and high school. With my twins we did the opposite, they started by attending first and second grades at a public school and having had the opportunity to send them to a private school, we thought of trying a local Montessori school and the difference in their advancement was noticeable. They became more critical and analytical in their thinking and we felt they have acquired social skills as well. Wish I started sending them to Montessori at an earlier age.

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1:15 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 27, 2007 re: "Mom to open South Carroll�s first Montessori school"

Examiner Reader said:
That is great news. I am an advocate of the Montessori educational system as I believe it fosters a sense of responsibility and respect along with its unique teaching technique.

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1:08 PM MST on Wed., Jun. 27, 2007 re: "Mom to open South Carroll�s first Montessori school"

Examiner Reader said:
I love the concept of Montesorri schools and the studies prove they are better. I am happy there is one to choose from in our area because I want to give my kids the best.

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9:09 PM MST on Mon., Jun. 18, 2007 re: "Middle school band changes attitude to earn top music prize"

Examiner Reader said:
This Ms. Ifill, I worked as a Prince Georges County Public Schools Spanish Teacher. The Music Competition was at Kings Dominion, in Richmond Virginia. The Advance Band received a fourth place in their band competition.

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7:04 AM MST on Thu., Jun. 14, 2007 re: "City public schools name new CEO"

Examiner Reader said:
It just seems unfair how the city and the state hire people from other states to come to Maryland and work in a high position. It is also unfair how some voted for people to take office in this state that aren�t from Maryland and so they don�t have our interest at heart. And then these people gets fat pay check from the taxes that is coming going up up up. It just seems like these outer downer gets all the benefits.

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9:28 AM MST on Tue., Jun. 5, 2007 re: "Montgomery parents passing on special ed committee"

Examiner Reader #2 said:
Given the bad faith with which MCPS operates the special ed programs, it is not surprising that parents of special ed children choose not to participate. If your child is currently receiving services from the county, why would you set yourself up for retaliation?

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1:06 PM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "Twice-assaulted teacher calls it quits"

Examiner Reader said:
It disgusts me that a teacher must fear for their safety; and that the school system is now treating her unfairly. Just today my son was suspended due to verbal remarks toward a teacher and I 100% back the teacher. My ex believes my son,which again makes him not accountable for his own actions. What will it take? Permanent injury or death of school staff or a fellow student for intervention to occur. Ms. Gumminger's contract probably didn't specify her being assaulted as part of her job description. The school system needs to be accountable as does the adolescent. Send the child to alternative school or lock them up.

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9:32 AM MST on Fri., Jun. 1, 2007 re: "Mitchell: Mayor must have control of schools"

Examiner Reader said:
What a bunch of political speak nonsense! Mitchell wants to take control of schools. He'll risk his career. hahaha --too funny. Exactly how did he take any risks on this whole education idea over the past 15 years he's been on the city council? Did he urge O'Malley to take over the schools? Mitchell is a sickening bunch of rhetoric. Assuming he were to win and take them over, what next? Or haven't his political advisors given him the next line yet?

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8:01 AM MST on Thu., May. 31, 2007 re: "Southwestern High to close in June"

Examiner Reader said:
the school needs to be shut down because it is a big building that need alot of fixing up to do.also alot of the students that attend the school are very violent

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5:07 PM MST on Wed., May. 30, 2007 re: "Board agrees to 4 percent raise"

Examiner Reader said:
except for those in the afscme union, only those who are top of pay scale get a raise the others get nothing!!!!!!!!!!

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12:29 PM MST on Wed., May. 30, 2007 re: "Southwestern High to close in June"

Examiner Reader said:
I think the city and state just want these property that is why so many baltimore city schools are closing

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9:21 AM MST on Wed., May. 30, 2007 re: "GED classes give residents a chance to turn life around"

Examiner Reader said:
For the record, "GED" actually stands for General Educational Development; it describes the test itself - not the diploma issued. In fact, Maryland issues a high school credential after passing the GED or completing External Diploma Program (EDP).

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9:54 AM MST on Wed., May. 16, 2007 re: "Deputy mayor lobbied for company"

Ferdinand Sasse said:
I have dealt with hundreds of public competitive engineering and construction proposals. Where there was a conflict of interest the public official involved was not allopwed to be included in the procurement process. I question whether the Distric has a complete procurement process and will be requesting competitive proposals. If not, I feel the District will not get a quality, cost effective job and waste a lot of money and have considerable construction delays.

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7:47 AM MST on Mon., May. 14, 2007 re: "Sources: Mayor already reaching out for school czar"

Examiner Reader said:
Tom Brady would be an excellent choice. He was a shining star in the Janey administration. And, because he knows the system, there wouldn't be much of a learning curve before he could get things done. And he has the courage to eliminate the people who have impeded progress over the years.

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7:40 PM MST on Thu., May. 10, 2007 re: "Principal: Ineligible graduates �should have been caught�"

Erich Martel (mentioned in article) said:
The print edition adds the following lines after the last line above, between brackets [[ ]]: [[He said he thinks a change in the guidance department and the movement to D.C. Stars (DCSTARS is the SIS) will not be enough given Wilson's track record on the issue. He said certification should be left to the DCPS central office.** [["It should not be done at the local school," Martel said. [[Martel further questions the timing of a group that has been convened by Tarason to review graduating seniors' records for eligibility. [["This is several days before graduation when there is a lot of pressure to finish things up," Martel said. "It's a complete joke."]] * - The firm actually agreed that 12 of the 15 were ineligible, i.e. had not completed all requirements. **- I said that the interpretation of transcripts from non-DCPS schools for DCPS equivalency credit should be done centrally and entered directly into the Student Info System - not each local high school.

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