Student Support Courses

The MCPS METS program is designed to meet the linguistic and academic needs of English learners who are acquiring English and have limited or no previous schooling or significant schooling gaps, due to interrupted formal education for two years or more. Students in the METS program receive intensive instruction in both literacy and mathematics to accelerate them towards grade-level proficiency, using evidence-based intervention resources and other supports. These students also receive support to help them adjust to the social school environment. 

Students may be referred to the METS program by International Admissions and Enrollment, The ESOL Testing and Accountability Center, school staff and a parent or family member.  Students are eligible to attend the METS program when:

• They score at level 1 or 2 on the WIDA Screener Placement Test

• They have had a minimum of two years of a schooling gap

• Their age is appropriate for at least Grade 3 grade placement

• They function at two or more years below grade level in Math and/or Reading (in the student’s home language)

Once students are identified as eligible for METS services, they are assigned to a METS site.

The MCPS METS program is designed to meet the linguistic and academic needs of English learners who are acquiring English and have limited or no previous schooling or significant schooling gaps, due to interrupted formal education for two years or more. Students in the METS program receive intensive instruction in both literacy and mathematics to accelerate them towards grade-level proficiency, using evidence-based intervention resources and other supports. These students also receive support to help them adjust to the social school environment. 

Students may be referred to the METS program by International Admissions and Enrollment, The ESOL Testing and Accountability Center, school staff and a parent or family member.  Students are eligible to attend the METS program when:

• They score at level 1 or 2 on the WIDA Screener Placement Test

• They have had a minimum of two years of a schooling gap

• Their age is appropriate for at least Grade 3 grade placement

• They function at two or more years below grade level in Math and/or Reading (in the student’s home language)

Once students are identified as eligible for METS services, they are assigned to a METS site.

This strategic reading course is intended to improve a students vocabulary, critical thinking, and analysis skills along with a students reading rate and comprehension level.  Although these courses typically emphasize works of fiction they may also include works of nonfiction including textbooks. This strategic reading course has a time management focus offering strategies for note taking and for understanding and evaluating the important points of a text.  Enrollment in these classes are based on an IEP team decision. 

The single-period reading intervention program for students of all grade levels utilizes technology, stations, and high interest reading materials to provide support to students across a range of reading levels.  Currently we are using iLit program but reserve the right to change materials based on student needs and MCPS recommendations.  Enrollment into this course is based on teacher recommendation, MAP-R scores, and other county assessment data. 

READ 180 is an intensive reading program which uses a small group approach through technology, high-interest literature, and direct instruction in reading, writing and vocabulary skills to meet the needs of students who experience difficulty comprehending grade-level reading material. Acceptance into this course is based on teacher recommendation, MAP-R scores, and other county assessment data.

A course designed to teach skills that will support academic success and build stronger independent learners.  Students learn test taking strategies, organizational skills, and strategies for time management. During the class period, students actively monitor their academic achievement and develop strategies to maintain or improve their grades.  The class provides time for students to get support with front loading material, reteaching, missing assignments, projects and homework. Enrollment in this class is based on an IEP team decision. 

A course designed to teach skills that will support academic success and build stronger independent learners.  Students learn test taking strategies, organizational skills, and strategies for time management. During the class period, students actively monitor their academic achievement and develop strategies to maintain or improve their grades.  The class provides time for students to get support with front loading material, reteaching, missing assignments, projects and homework. Enrollment in this class is based on an Administrative Team decision.