The document outlines plans for Baltimore City Public Schools System (BCPSS) to prepare students for jobs resulting from the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. The 6-point plan includes: 1) aligning BCPSS initiatives with the Transformation Schools strategy; 2) expanding rigorous STEM curricula; 3) strengthening STEM programs and teacher training; 4) developing a "Learning to Work Model"; 5) investing in STEM and advanced programs; and 6) increasing partnerships. BCPSS will focus on expanding school choice, college and career preparation through the Learning to Work model and fair student funding guidelines.

1. PREPARING STUDENTS FOR HIGH TECH POSITIONS : BRACTION PLAN & THE BCPSS - BRAC SYMPOSIUM General Bennie William, Chief of Staff APRIL 11, 2008

2. OVERVIEW: BRAC & BCPSS Effect of BRAC on the City MSDE’s Initiatives – Brief Overview BCPSS’s Former Strategy Revised BCPSS Strategy for BRACtion Plan Transformation Schools Initiative = expanding school opportunities and school choice Learning to Work Model = developing students’ marketable skills Fair Student Funding = giving school’s choices about operations 6 Point Plan for BRAC & BCPSS – (1) align BRAC initiatives w/ Transformation Schools Strategy; (2) Expand rigorous curricula throughout the district; (3) Strengthen STEM programs in the City (recruitment & training of qualified teachers); (4) Develop “Learning to Work Model”; (5) Invest in human capital to expand STEM, AP, GATE, and related programs; & (6) Increase partnerships

3. OVERVIEW: BRAC EFFECT - EDUCATION Population Increase 2,552 new households expected by 2018 Increased demand for schools specializing in math/science/engineering Education BRAC jobs will primarily focus on the following employment sectors: computer/electronic/general engineering, telecommunications, and contracting services. Baltimore City will benefit from BRAC initiatives by (a) recognizing the employment supply shift , (b) adapting education systems to prepare for the student influx , and (c) preparing education tracks to make Baltimore City schools an attractive location for potential teachers and students affiliated with the military bases. BCPSS Secondary School Transformation Strategy & Learning to Work Plan will be most efficient vehicle for implementing the City’s BRACtion Plan.

4. MARYLAND STATE BRAC INITIATIVES Initiatives: Explanation: Federal Impact Aid Grants Increased federal funding for federally connected students STEM Program Expansion Increase grant distribution to school districts that expand use of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Programs Project Lead the Way & Gateway to Technology Expansion Programs that incorporate pre-engineering and biomedical sciences curriculum and partner with institutions of higher education and business/industry. Advanced Placement (AP) & International Baccalaureate (IB) Program Expansion Incorporating federal grant incentive programs to expand schools’ inclusion of AP and IB programs. Focus on increasing access to AP and IB programs to minority students. Expansion of Professional Development opportunities for teachers in school districts.

5. MARYLAND STATE BRAC INITIATIVES Initiatives: Explanation: Teacher Preparation, Licensure, and Recruitment Expand teacher certifying opportunities and alternative certification programs such Associate of Arts in Teaching, Troops to Teachers Program, Adjunct Teaching Corps, Teach for America, CTE Teacher Expansion Ease administrative burdens to certification and market Maryland’s improved pension program Child Care Expansion & Recruitment Market and expand state certified child care programs: Maryland Network of Child Care Resource Referral, Army in Your Neighborhood Project, Online Information Guide Recruit more child care service providers Prioritize BRAC Communications MSDE will make the BRAC Initiatives a permanent agenda topic for all executive sessions Creation of BRAC workgroup to recommend specific proposals and evaluate the initiatives’ implementation

6. BRAC & BCPSS INITIATIVES (CURRENT) II.3 Prepare the School-Age Population and the Existing Workforce for BRAC Jobs : Develop a short and long-term communication and marketing plan that will expand the number of skilled job candidates for BRAC-related employment. Examine Charter Schools as a means of satisfying BRAC-related education needs. Support the development of strong math and science curricula for city students at all levels, through programs such as Career and Technology Education (CTE) . Assess the needs in education and training for secondary and spin-off jobs . Support the development of programs in the building trades .

7. II.4 Strengthen Partnerships with Institutes of Higher Learning to Coordinate BRAC Preparedness : Develop and promote comprehensive programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). BRAC & BCPSS INITIATIVES (CURRENT)

8. BCPSS NEW SYSTEMIC DIRECTION Expanding Opportunities for School Choice & Autonomy (Fair Student Funding Strategy) Focusing on Increased & Improved College &Career Prep through “Learning to Work”

9. (1) Fair Student Funding Guidelines for Enhancing Program Offerings Schools should develop work-based learning opportunities consistent with the school’s theme (if applicable) and/or voluntary state curriculum standards and core learning goal. Schools shall organize student time to allow for students to participate in a variety of work-based learning opportunities. Schools should work with their community and business partners to offer work-based learning opportunities to include job shadowing, internships, summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, etc. In the event a school does not have sufficient community and business contacts, schools shall work with the Office of Secondary Schools and the Office of Partnerships to develop work-based opportunities. Schools should make appropriate provisions for students with special needs to participate and succeed in work-based learning programs.

10. (2) Secondary Transformation Schools Effect on Skill Development Two new Work-Based Learning Schools opening in fall 2008: Baltimore Civitas School & The REACH! School (Student Enrollment Fair scheduled for May 1 & May 3)

11. (3) Learning to Work – Effect on Skill Development in BCPSS Learning to Work Expand & Specialize Programs For All Middle Grades Students Provide Opportunities At All Secondary Schools Specialized Opportunities @ Particular Schools

12. (4) 6 POINT OVERVIEW PLAN FOR BCPSS TO PREPARE FOR BRAC

13. (4) 6 POINT OVERVIEW PLAN FOR BCPSS TO PREPARE FOR BRAC

14. (4) 6 POINT OVERVIEW PLAN FOR BCPSS TO PREPARE FOR BRAC

15. Next Steps Revise current Baltimore City BRACtion plan by June 2008 to better reflect BCPSS systemic reforms. Collaborate with Partners to strengthen opportunities for work-based learning. Encourage CitiStat and SchoolStat collaboration to track federally connected students in order to maximize federal Impact Aid grant potential. Monitor expansion of Learning to Work programs, CTE, GATE, AP Programming, and Ingenuity Project through Transformation Schools Initiative