Middle School Reading: Your Thoughts Wanted Tonight

Residents concerned about proposed changes to the Howard County Public School System's middle school program can make their opinions known Thursday night.

The Board of Education will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. at the school system's headquarters, 10910 MD Rt. 108.

School officials are recommending some changes to the middle school curriculum and schedule that have raised concerns among community members and educators.

In preparation for Maryland adopting the Common Core State Standards — a nationalized program to ensure that all students are being taught in the K-12 program to be ready for college and careers — Howard County Public School System officials are recommending cutting reading classes so that physical education class time can be increased and world languages can be added at the sixth-grade level.

The recommendations calling for at least 90 days of physical education instruction in grades six through eight and the introduction of world languages offerings in the sixth grade make middle school schedule changes "imperative," according to a report previously presented to the board.

School system Chief Academic Officer Linda Wise will present an overview of the proposal during the board's 4 p.m. meeting.

The public hearing will begin at 7 p.m.