About Us

At BCP, everything we do is research-based and proven to work. We don’t follow fads—we focus on what’s best for kids. Below, you’ll find studies and resources that explain why we do what we do, how we stay current with the latest educational research, and the ways we continuously work to improve our schools.

Our programs are grounded in research and proven strategies that drive meaningful results for every student. By combining evidence-based practices with personalized support, we help students build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to succeed.

Direct Instruction

Direct Instruction is a research-based comprehensive school reform model that consists of carefully scripted lessons, backed by texts and workbooks. It is supported by over 40 years of research and has been consistently rated as one of the most effective comprehensive school reform models. When implemented properly, students attain reading, writing, and math skills beyond their current grade level in a relatively short amount of time. BCP brought Direct Instruction to Baltimore City Schools in 1996.

The Direct Instruction reading and language arts programs assess students every five to ten lessons to make sure they are on track. BCP leadership and school-based academic coaches meet weekly to review student data, determine where additional support may be needed, and identify opportunities for acceleration.

For more information visit the National Institute for Direction Instruction.

Project Follow Through was the largest and longest-running educational study in U.S. history, launched in the late 1960s to identify effective teaching methods for children from low-income communities. More than 70,000 students across 180 communities participated. The study compared over a dozen instructional models—ranging from child-centered and developmental approaches to highly structured, skills-based programs.

When results were released, Direct Instruction (DI) consistently produced the strongest gains in reading, math, and language skills, as well as in students’ problem-solving and self-esteem measures. These findings showed that a systematic, explicit approach to teaching could significantly close achievement gaps.

Project Follow Through remains a landmark study in education research, shaping how schools and policymakers think about evidence-based instruction and accountability in early literacy.

Athabasca University online module on Direct Instruction Evidence: Project Follow Through.

Restorative Practices

Restorative practices are an integral part of the school culture at all BCP schools and provide a constructive alternative to suspensions. Restorative practices provides a proactive approach for building a school community based on cooperation, mutual understanding, and respect. It includes processes for holding students accountable for their actions and behavior while building a nurturing school environment. BCP implemented restorative practices in 2007 with the support of grants from OSI-Baltimore and the Goldsmith Family Foundation.

Watch the mini-documentary Restorative, Practices Make Strong Schools, featuring City Springs Elementary/Middle School and Hampstead Hill Academy. The film highlights how restorative practices are woven into daily school life—helping students build strong relationships, resolve conflict constructively, and create safe, supportive learning environments. Through the voices of students, educators, and families, the film shows how restorative practices strengthen school culture and foster community both inside and outside the classroom.

CHAMPS

CHAMPS is a research-based approach to behavior management that helps classroom teachers design or fine tune a proactive and positive classroom management plan that teaches students how to behave responsibly. By following the effective, research-based practices outlined in CHAMPS, teachers develop methods for clearly communicating their expectations on every classroom activity and transition. BCP began using CHAMPS in 1996. For more information, visit Safe and Civil Schools.

Community Schools

Community schools are more than just educational institutions—they are vibrant hubs where schools, families, and communities collaborate to support the holistic development of every child. Rooted in evidence-based practices, this model integrates academic instruction with essential services like health care, mentorship, and after-school programs, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Educator Support

At the Baltimore Curriculum Project, educator support is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that if a student hasn’t learned, it’s our responsibility to ensure teachers have the tools, training, and guidance they need to succeed. From dedicated academic coaches in every school to intensive training programs like the New Educator Summer Institute and the National Institute for Direct Instruction, teachers receive ongoing, hands-on support. Coaches collaborate daily with teachers, problem-solve challenges, and model effective practices, while principals come together regularly to share strategies and learn from one another. At BCP, professional growth isn’t just a goal—it’s part of our culture, empowering educators to help every student thrive.

BCP provides two professional development conferences and periodic day-long seminars for over 200 teachers each year. Principals determine their staff training needs and BCP customizes training to meet those needs. BCP also provides training to address areas identified by BCP coaches and leadership staff.

Data-Driven Instruction

At BCP, we prioritize data-driven instruction to ensure every student grows. Using the NWEA MAP assessment, we measure student progress three times a year, providing a clear picture of growth over time. This data fuels weekly collaborative meetings between teachers and instructional coaches, where we analyze trends, identify learning gaps, and adjust instruction to meet each student’s needs. By consistently using real-time data, we ensure our teaching is targeted, responsive, and effective.