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: Dowell J. Howard Center
Principal: Elizabeth Fout
Enrollment: 500

School Vision Statement

Empowered by Engagement;  Driven by Confidence;  Connected through Empathy

School Mission Statement

Our mission at Dowell J. Howard Center is to foster an engaging and inclusive educational environment where students are empowered through active learning, inspired to build self-confidence, and connected to one another and their community through empathy and mutual respect.

Goal #1 

By May 2027, at least 80% of students will demonstrate grade level proficiency by earning at least 60% or higher on benchmarks in Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. 

Goal #2 

By May 2027, the leadership team will strengthen teacher capacity by facilitating weekly task force collaborations, delivering monthly professional development, and conducting walkthrough feedback sessions twice per semester for 100% of teachers, resulting in all teachers scoring a partially or fully observed rating for all indicators and core focus areas observed on walkthrough observations.  

Goal #3

All faculty members will collaboratively support student learning through task force team meetings that focus on addressing attendance, behaviors, academic achievement, and postsecondary plans.  Evidence will include 100% of meetings having documented agendas with actionable next steps and an 85% or higher completion rate of weekly action items per semester.

Goal #4

By May 2027, Dowell J. Howard will increase meaningful family engagement by hosting two community events, achieving at least 50% family attendance across programs and an 85% positive rating on family feedback surveys, providing consistent opportunities for parents to be informed and involved in their child’s education.  

For more information about Dowell J. Howard Center's Continuous Improvement Plan please reach out to the school principal.