Continuous School Improvement Plan
Frederick County Public Schools is dedicated to continuous improvement. Our school principals lead efforts to plan, implement, and review their goals, using a variety of data to make sure we’re always moving in the right direction. School and division plans are monitored for progress and updated quarterly to support our commitment to our students and their families.
This information keeps families informed about our progress and the status of school goals. You’ll find updates and insights as we work together to improve student learning and school performance.
School Profile Information
School: Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School
Principal: Kristine Hickey
Enrollment: 835
School Vision Statement
ABMS is a learning community dedicated to engaging and supporting students and families by preparing students to be successful, valuable contributors to society.
School Mission Statement
The ABMS community ensures students attain their highest levels of growth and development by fostering:
- A safe and secure learning environment embracing a culture of inclusiveness
- Engaging learning opportunities in which students critically think, collaborate, communicate, create, and contribute
- A dedication to authentic and innovative learning experiences
Goal #1
By June of 2026, unadjusted pass rates will increase by 5% percentage points above the baseline for all student groups in all SOL-tested content areas.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
Baseline Data English: CUA data: Grade 6 average score 69%, Grade 7 average score 79%, Grade 8 average score 80% iXL Reading: Grade 6: 42% far below grade level, 19% below grade level, 16% on grade level, 24% above grade level Grade 7: 42% far below grade level, 15% below grade level, 21% on grade level, 22% above grade level Grade 8: 55% far below grade level, 13% below grade level, 10% on grade level, and 22% above grade level Math (Edia) Growth since August: Math 6: 28%, Math 7: 21%, Math 8: 18% Quarter 1 Benchmarks Grade 6: 23%, Grade 6/7: 40%, Grade 7: 21%, Grade 7/8: 25%, Grade 8: 16%, Algebra: 81%, Geometry: 76% (percent-correct rates) Science: Skills Assessment Data Science 6: 36% of students are showing mastery, 24% are approaching, and 40% are basic MEAN score: 68% Science 7: 31% of students are showing mastery, 19% are approaching, 50% are basic, MEAN score: 56% Science 8: 39% of students are showing mastery, 14% are approaching, and 47% are basic, MEAN score: 59% |
| March 2026 | On Track |
English: CUA data Quarter 2: Grade 6 average score 72%, Grade 7 average score 74%, Grade 8 average score 70% Math (Edia) Growth since August: Math 6: 42% (+13%)*, Math 7: 35% (+14%)*, Math 8: 31% (+14)*, Algebra 1 41% (+10)*, Geometry 56% (+11)* *indicates growth since quarter 1 Civics: CUA #1: 49% showing mastery, 14% approaching mastery, 25% basic; mean score 71% CUA #2: 52% showing mastery, 16% approaching mastery, 31% basic; mean score 68% Science: Skills Assessment Data Science 6: 56% of students are showing mastery, 15% are approaching, and 28% are basic; MEAN score: 66% Science 7: 37% of students are showing mastery, 20% are approaching, 43% are basic; MEAN score: 58% Science 8: 49% of students are showing mastery, 14% are approaching, and 37% are basic; MEAN score: 64% |
| June 2026 | On Track |
English: CUA #3 Grade 6, 25% showing proficiency/mastery; Grade 7, 56% showing proficiency/master (up from 45% in quarter 2), and Grade 8, 46% showing proficiency/mastery (up from 32% in quarter 2) VALLSS Spelling: grade 6, 7, and 8 showed improvement by increasing from approaching to adequate (in spelling) from Fall to Winter: 25% to 39%, adequate in grade 6, 29% to 40% in grade 7, and 36% to 52% in grade 8. VALLSS Word Reading: grades 6, 7, and 8 showed improvement in word reading from Fall to Winter: 5% to 14% in 6th grade, 14% to 26% in 7th grade, and 14% to 27% in 8th grade. Math: (Edia) Growth since August: Math 6: 52% (+23%)*, Math 7: 46% (+25%), Math 8: 42% (+24), Algebra 1 61% (+30), Geometry 65% (+20) *indicates growth since quarter 1 Science: Grade 6: 23% to 34% showing proficiency/mastery, and fewer students in below basic, 40% to 27%. Grade 7: 17% to 16% showing proficiency/mastery, and fewer students in below basic, 53% to 43%. Grade 8: 19% to 24% showing proficiency/mastery, and fewer students in below basic, 52% to 39%.
Note: Seventy students on reading plans for the 2025-26 school year passed their grade-level SOL. |
Goal #2
Teachers will demonstrate evidence of four key components (Grade Appropriate Assignments, Strong Instruction, Deep Engagement, and High Expectations) by planning, teaching, and assessing in 85% of observable opportunities.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track | Instructional Strategies Walk-through data: Review of the observations specific to instructional strategies 100% were in alignment. Cognitive depth of lessons varied from remembering, understanding, applying, creating, analyzing, and evaluating. Observers documented the discourse level of all walk-throughs conducted during this time period to be 2.5 (on a scale of 1-4, 4 being the highest). |
| March 2026 | On Track | Instructional Strategies Walk-through data: Review of the observations specific to instructional strategies, 95% were in alignment. Cognitive depth of lessons varied from remembering (11%), understanding (33%), applying (11%), creating (11%), analyzing (22%), and evaluating (11%). Level of discourse (44% - level 3, 22% - level 2, 22 % - level 1, and 11% level 4 on a scale of 1-4, 4 being the highest level). |
| June 2026 | On Track | Instructional Strategies Walk-through data: Review of the observations specific to instructional strategies 85% were in alignment. Cognitive depth of lessons varied from remembering (18.2%), understanding (27.3%), applying (18.2%), creating (9.1%), analyzing (18.2%), and evaluating (9.1%). Level of discourse (36.4% - level 3, 27.3% - level 2, 27.3 % - level 1, and 9.1% level 4 on a scale of 1-4, 4 being the highest level). |
Goal #3
By June 2026, the average daily student attendance rate will be at 90%.
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
Number of students with first-quarter perfect attendance:
The current average daily attendance rate is 95.11% |
| March 2026 | On Track |
Number of students with second-quarter perfect attendance:
Chronically absent students: 12%. |
| June 2026 | On Track | The end-of-the-year chronic absenteeism rate is 15.11%. |
Goal #4
All core teachers in English, Math, Social Studies, and Science will monitor academic progress bi-weekly during the school day in Professional Learning (PLCs).
| Date | Status | Progress Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | On Track |
Data review dates and discussions are documented in PLC form. Discussions about VGA, VALLSS, iXL, Lexia, Edia, and common unit assessments and next steps.
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| March 2026 | On Track |
Data review dates and discussions are documented on the PLC form. Discussions about VGA, VALLSS, iXL, Lexia, Edia, CUAs, and next steps.
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| June 2026 | On Track |
Data review dates and discussions are documented on the PLC form. Discussions about VGA, VALLSS, iXL, Lexia, Edia, CUAs, SOL scores for retakes, and next steps.
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For more information about Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School's Continuous Improvement Plan please join us at our quarterly events or reach out to the school principal.
Quarterly Events
- September 23, 2025 - PTO meeting
- December 3, 2025: Literacy Night
- Third Quarter: January 14, 2026
- Fourth Quarter: May 21, 2026