HCPSS Partner Jemicy School to Share Dyslexia and Language-Based Learning Differences Expertise

January 6th, 2021

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with the Jemicy School to increase staff understanding of the science of reading and dyslexia, as well as the appropriate strategies so that all students develop academic skills and a love of learning.

Under the terms of the agreement, the HCPSS Elementary Language Arts Office will collaborate with Jemicy to offer professional learning and training for HCPSS staff focused on understanding dyslexia, including identifying what dyslexia looks like in the classroom, addressing common myths about dyslexia and discussing strategies for teaching students with language and learning differences. Jemicy will also serve as a consultative resource for HCPSS staff regarding teaching students exhibiting reading difficulties and dyslexia, answering questions, and reviewing materials.

“As a leader in educating students with dyslexia for over 45 years, Jemicy School has always strived to share its knowledge and practices,” said Megan McGowan, Head of Jemicy’s Lower and Middle School. “This partnership gets us one step closer to ensuring all students have access to quality structured literacy instruction.”

“This partnership will offer valuable new resources for our staff in addressing students’ individual learning challenges. We deeply appreciate the collaboration and expertise of the Jemicy School in supporting all students’ individual learning needs,” said HCPSS Superintendent Michael. J. Martirano.

“Reading serves as the foundation for almost all learning, and it is critical that teachers have access to the information and resources essential to identifying and addressing learning challenges during the earliest grades. We greatly value the additional resources and benefits that will be available through this important partnership,” said Howard County Board of Education Chair Chao Wu.

The formal partnership agreement was signed by HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano, Elementary Language Arts Coordinator Stephanie Milligan, and Jemicy School Head of School Ben Shifrin, Head of Lower and Middle School Megan McGowan, and Director of Outreach Annette Fallon.

Jemicy School, founded in 1973, provides a highly individualized, flexible, and challenging education for above-average to gifted college-bound students with dyslexia or other related language-based learning differences. A recognized leader in the field of education, Jemicy, accredited by AIMS and the first school in the country to be accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, educates students between the ages of six and eighteen on two campuses in Owings Mills, Maryland.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.