revealed that students who were not performing on grade level by Grade 3 had little chance of being prepared for rigorous high school courses.

In 1999, the school system developed a landmark report, Our Call to Action,4 to articulate a shared vision to raise the level of student achievement to rigorous standards of academic performance and to address the opportunity gap facing increasing numbers of children. The report, developed by staff, parents, community, and business leaders, created ownership of the problem and outlined specific strategies for systemic reform.

To address the inequity of opportunities of many of our students, MCPS made a commitment to the success of its youngest learners, as part of a comprehensive reform effort. A fundamental element of ensuring the success of the early childhood initiative (pre-kindergarten through Grade 2) is the focus on quality teachers and principals; a comprehensive and aligned curriculum; individual diagnostic assessments; a continuous feedback loop utilizing a technology-based monitoring system; and ongoing, targeted professional development.

MCPS identified a problem—gaps in achievement and opportunity. A diagnosis was made and a comprehensive plan developed—the Early Success Performance Plan5 for the district’s youngest learners. A clearly articulated early childhood education plan coupled with a focus on building a quality workforce are the two essential components of the MCPS plan.

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