Latest news with #BaltimoreCityPublicSchools
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Opinion: How I Coach All Educators at My Baltimore HS to Be Reading & Writing Teachers
If you've been following education news, you know students' reading and writing skills remain low, especially after the pandemic, with no state having made gains since 2022. School districts need to do more to ensure every student enters adulthood fully literate. One step is to train all educators — not just those in elementary and English classes — to be reading teachers. Many states, including Maryland, where I live and work as a literacy coach, are embracing the science of reading, which uses brain science to teach children how to read. However, these efforts are focused at the elementary level, and older students are going through high school without the benefit of these best practices. My district, Baltimore City Public Schools, is working to address that problem. For the last four years, I have helped all teachers at Reginald F. Lewis High School weave reading and writing into their lessons. This is unusual, because while the district has had literacy coaches in elementary and secondary schools, most work only with English Language Arts teachers. This isn't enough. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Consider this: During a team meeting, teachers and I reviewed Maryland's state English test and found it had just one set of questions related to a literature passage. The rest were based on informational texts, such as historical primary source documents, scientific reports and graphs. Subject-matter teachers are best-suited to help students learn to read and analyze these passages. While all the teachers I work with know that students are coming to them with large literacy gaps, most weren't accustomed to working with a coach, especially a literacy coach. They were skeptical at first. Overcoming that required taking key steps. Related First, my principal had to make it clear that literacy learning was a schoolwide responsibility and that I was there to help. Then, I had to build strong relationships with teachers. I did that by listening, learning about the challenges they faced, observing instruction and providing feedback, and being a consistent and supportive presence in their classrooms. We studied data and set goals together. It was especially important to be patient. Change of this kind takes more than a single school year. Across classrooms, we raised the rigor. Because reading achievement was low, teachers had been using texts designed for elementary or middle schoolers. But what our high schoolers needed was reading material aligned to high school expectations. My job was to give teachers tools that they could use to help students understand what they were reading. These included strategies such as previewing complex vocabulary with students before diving into reading and offering multiple opportunities and ways to access difficult texts, such as through read-alouds or partnered reading. Those approaches improve reading fluency and are particularly appropriate when books or articles are challenging. Yet, even as the teachers helped students to access harder books, they had to pull back on doing too much. I found they were reading aloud texts that students were capable of reading on their own, or oversimplifying assignments and taking away opportunities for students to write answers that showed what they really knew. Related Today, the teachers know that I'm there to help their students learn in their particular content area and are proud that, after a sharp dip in proficiency directly after the pandemic, our students have made significant gains in English language arts proficiency. Overall, our school went from 10% English proficiency in 2023 to 27% in 2024, and we met our literacy progress goals for the first time since the pandemic. Teachers also like the engagement they see in their classrooms when students read aloud to their partners or speak up to answer questions. More recently, after we realized students were skipping written response questions on state assessments, we started weaving writing instruction into the school day. To tackle this, our school made writing instruction the focus of professional development and coaching. We all read 'The Writing Revolution,' by Judith Hochman and Natalie Wexler, and I provided support to teachers based on the approach in the book and training I received. Many teachers at first lacked confidence around teaching components of good writing, so I provided explicit modeling and coaching. In a math class, I'd have a teacher demonstrate what good writing looks like in that grade and subject — for example, writing a response to a question — and then we'd discuss ways to help students reach that level of proficiency. Today, nearly all teachers in my school are more comfortable providing writing instruction in their content area, and nearly all implement some kind of writing instruction every day. This means that students get multiple chances to practice writing and learn particular skills. I love hearing them saying things like, 'All my teachers are talking about segment fragments!' Or, 'Now we have to use conjunctions everywhere!' In January, teachers had reported that half or more of their students skipped writing tasks on any assignment. Today, nearly every student writes answers to assignments, and basic writing mistakes have dwindled. I've also been working to help encourage students to read independently. NAEP survey data show that a mere 14% of 13-year-olds read for enjoyment daily. It's a shocking figure but it reflects what I see. I often ask students what they like to read, and unfortunately a common answer is, 'I don't know. I don't really like reading.' Related After one of these exchanges, I asked my 10-year-old, who loves curling up with a book, what he would say to that. 'I would say they just haven't found the right book yet!' he replied. High schoolers have tons of interests and opinions; they just need to find a book based on these interests to ignite a love for reading. Sometimes I ask kids what movies they like, and the answer usually helps make a connection to books. I also encourage families to participate in summer library programs that give kids and adults a free book of their choice each month. I believe the successes my school has seen on classroom tests in literacy will also show in the state exams our students recently took. More importantly, I'm confident the skills they've learned will make a lasting difference in their lives, whatever path they choose.
CBS News
03-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Baltimore judge places temporary pause on filings of Child Victims Act lawsuits due to caseload
Baltimore judge places temporary halt to filings of Child Victims Act lawsuits due to caseload Baltimore judge places temporary halt to filings of Child Victims Act lawsuits due to caseload Baltimore judge places temporary halt to filings of Child Victims Act lawsuits due to caseload A Baltimore judge has put a temporary pause on filings of Child Victims Act lawsuits due to a large influx of lawsuits, according to The Baltimore Banner. According to a five-page order, more than 1,250 lawsuits have been filed in Baltimore Circuit Court under the Child Victims Act of 2023. The Act removed time limits for victims of sexual abuse seeking to take legal action. Child Victims Act revisions take effect On June 1, changes to the Child Victims Act took effect. Due to a revision made to the law in April, Sexual abuse survivors in Maryland now face monetary caps on court compensation after revisions to the Child Victims Act took effect Sunday. The bill limits payouts for abuse claims involving public institutions to $400,000 and claims against private institutions to $700,000. Attorney fees are also capped at 20% for cases settled out of court and 25% for cases that go to trial. Ongoing sex abuse lawsuits against institutions in Maryland A new lawsuit announced Monday claimed a Baltimore City Public School teacher sexually assaulted students in the 1970s. The lawsuit, filed by Baltimore-based law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, accuses the school district of allowing special education teacher Alvin Hunt to abuse students in the late 1970s and early 1980s. One victim was left with severe trauma, and another, pregnant, as a result of the abuse, according to the lawsuit. More than 650 lawsuits have been filed, alleging abuse at Maryland juvenile detention centers between the 1970s and 2018. According to the lawsuits, the juvenile detention system delayed or ignored reform despite investigations, warnings, and reports of abusive staff and invasive strip searches. In April, a group of Maryland attorneys said they were filing lawsuits on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse at Calvert Hall College High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Baltimore County. The Archdiocese of Baltimore faces hundreds of lawsuits from victims who said they were abused by priests, teachers and employees under the church's supervision.
02-06-2025
Baltimore schools sued for failing to protect students from a predatory teacher
BALTIMORE -- Three women are suing Baltimore's public school system, alleging they were sexually abused by a special education teacher decades ago while administrators failed to protect students from his predatory behavior. One of the plaintiffs was 14 when she alleges the teacher, whom the lawsuit names as Alvin Hunt, raped and impregnated her, according to the complaint. At a news conference Monday morning, attorneys for the women said school officials knew about the abuse and allowed it to continue. They said Hunt would lure students to his house under the pretense of after-school tutoring. The allegations contained in the lawsuits occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Attempts to reach Hunt were unsuccessful. A message seeking comment was left for a spokesperson for Baltimore City Public Schools. The lawsuits add to a growing pile of child sexual abuse claims filed in Maryland since the state eliminated its statute of limitations for such cases. Lawmakers approved the Child Victims Act in 2023 with abuse findings against the Catholic Church in mind, but its impacts have extended well beyond religious institutions. The state's juvenile justice system in particular is facing widespread reckoning after thousands of victims came forward. Pamela Coleman said she gave birth to Hunt's daughter after he drugged and raped her. Hunt offered the teen a ride home from school and gave her a cigarette laced with an illicit substance that caused her to lose consciousness, her complaint says. 'My childhood and teen years was just ripped from me,' Coleman said at the news conference. She said her mother reported the abuse and administrators transferred her to another school after learning she was pregnant. The AP doesn't typically identify victims of abuse unless they want to be named. Attorneys said Hunt, who was also a sports coach, never faced prosecution or accountability for his actions. Instead, he retired from the school system after a long career. He is not named as a defendant in the lawsuits, which were filed against the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. 'This abuse was not just known, it was normalized,' said attorney Janai Woodhouse with the Baltimore law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy. 'This wasn't hidden. It was tolerated.' She said the Child Victims Act allows abuse survivors the time they need to come forward, often decades later. Before its passage, victims couldn't sue after they turned 38. The three plaintiffs were young and vulnerable when they were abused by someone they trusted, their attorneys said. 'You can imagine the amount of psychological trauma that was inflicted here. So it took some time,' Woodhouse said. 'But they gathered the courage to come to us and they're ready to seek justice now.' According to the lawsuit filed on behalf of Collette Lee, she went to Hunt's house for tutoring with another special education student. He cornered her and tried to assault her, but she says she managed to escape. 'I was able to run,' she said during the news conference. 'I've been running for a long time. I'm tired. I want justice.'
Hamilton Spectator
02-06-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Baltimore schools sued for failing to protect students from a predatory teacher
BALTIMORE (AP) — Three women are suing Baltimore's public school system, alleging they were sexually abused by a special education teacher decades ago while administrators failed to protect students from his predatory behavior. One of the plaintiffs was 14 when she alleges the teacher, whom the lawsuit names as Alvin Hunt, raped and impregnated her, according to the complaint. At a news conference Monday morning, attorneys for the women said school officials knew about the abuse and allowed it to continue. They said Hunt would lure students to his house under the pretense of after-school tutoring. The allegations contained in the lawsuits occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Attempts to reach Hunt were unsuccessful. A message seeking comment was left for a spokesperson for Baltimore City Public Schools. The lawsuits add to a growing pile of child sexual abuse claims filed in Maryland since the state eliminated its statute of limitations for such cases. Lawmakers approved the Child Victims Act in 2023 with abuse findings against the Catholic Church in mind, but its impacts have extended well beyond religious institutions. The state's juvenile justice system in particular is facing widespread reckoning after thousands of victims came forward. Pamela Coleman said she gave birth to Hunt's daughter after he drugged and raped her. Hunt offered the teen a ride home from school and gave her a cigarette laced with an illicit substance that caused her to lose consciousness, her complaint says. 'My childhood and teen years was just ripped from me,' Coleman said at the news conference. She said her mother reported the abuse and administrators transferred her to another school after learning she was pregnant. The AP doesn't typically identify victims of abuse unless they want to be named. Attorneys said Hunt, who was also a sports coach, never faced prosecution or accountability for his actions. Instead, he retired from the school system after a long career. He is not named as a defendant in the lawsuits, which were filed against the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. 'This abuse was not just known, it was normalized,' said attorney Janai Woodhouse with the Baltimore law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy. 'This wasn't hidden. It was tolerated.' She said the Child Victims Act allows abuse survivors the time they need to come forward, often decades later. Before its passage, victims couldn't sue after they turned 38. The three plaintiffs were young and vulnerable when they were abused by someone they trusted, their attorneys said. 'You can imagine the amount of psychological trauma that was inflicted here. So it took some time,' Woodhouse said. 'But they gathered the courage to come to us and they're ready to seek justice now.' According to the lawsuit filed on behalf of Collette Lee, she went to Hunt's house for tutoring with another special education student. He cornered her and tried to assault her, but she says she managed to escape. 'I was able to run,' she said during the news conference. 'I've been running for a long time. I'm tired. I want justice.' The lawsuits were filed Friday in state court. The plaintiffs are seeking punitive damages. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
02-06-2025
- Toronto Star
Baltimore schools sued for failing to protect students from a predatory teacher
BALTIMORE (AP) — Three women are suing Baltimore's public school system, alleging they were sexually abused by a special education teacher decades ago while administrators failed to protect students from his predatory behavior. One of the plaintiffs was 14 when she alleges the teacher, whom the lawsuit names as Alvin Hunt, raped and impregnated her, according to the complaint. At a news conference Monday morning, attorneys for the women said school officials knew about the abuse and allowed it to continue. They said Hunt would lure students to his house under the pretense of after-school tutoring. The allegations contained in the lawsuits occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW Attempts to reach Hunt were unsuccessful. A message seeking comment was left for a spokesperson for Baltimore City Public Schools. The lawsuits add to a growing pile of child sexual abuse claims filed in Maryland since the state eliminated its statute of limitations for such cases. Lawmakers approved the Child Victims Act in 2023 with abuse findings against the Catholic Church in mind, but its impacts have extended well beyond religious institutions. The state's juvenile justice system in particular is facing widespread reckoning after thousands of victims came forward. Pamela Coleman said she gave birth to Hunt's daughter after he drugged and raped her. Hunt offered the teen a ride home from school and gave her a cigarette laced with an illicit substance that caused her to lose consciousness, her complaint says. 'My childhood and teen years was just ripped from me,' Coleman said at the news conference. She said her mother reported the abuse and administrators transferred her to another school after learning she was pregnant. The AP doesn't typically identify victims of abuse unless they want to be named. Attorneys said Hunt, who was also a sports coach, never faced prosecution or accountability for his actions. Instead, he retired from the school system after a long career. He is not named as a defendant in the lawsuits, which were filed against the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW 'This abuse was not just known, it was normalized,' said attorney Janai Woodhouse with the Baltimore law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy. 'This wasn't hidden. It was tolerated.' She said the Child Victims Act allows abuse survivors the time they need to come forward, often decades later. Before its passage, victims couldn't sue after they turned 38. The three plaintiffs were young and vulnerable when they were abused by someone they trusted, their attorneys said. 'You can imagine the amount of psychological trauma that was inflicted here. So it took some time,' Woodhouse said. 'But they gathered the courage to come to us and they're ready to seek justice now.' According to the lawsuit filed on behalf of Collette Lee, she went to Hunt's house for tutoring with another special education student. He cornered her and tried to assault her, but she says she managed to escape. 'I was able to run,' she said during the news conference. 'I've been running for a long time. I'm tired. I want justice.' The lawsuits were filed Friday in state court. The plaintiffs are seeking punitive damages.
