The Department of Liberal Arts focuses on prekindergarten to Grade 12 curricula and instruction that teaches general knowledge to develop students’ intellectual capabilities. In Baltimore County, knowledge and understanding within the liberal arts are taught throughout the elementary and secondary course of study, as students prepare for professional, vocational, or technical careers and pursue requirements to enter higher education or military service.

The term liberal arts (līberālis in Latin, meaning “a proper education afforded to free persons”) is relevant to the mission of Baltimore County Public Schools, as the system aims “to provide a quality education that develops the content knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable all students to reach their maximum potential as responsible, life-long learners and productive citizens." (Blueprint for Progress)

The offices within the Department of Liberal Arts include Elementary and Secondary Social Studies, English, Early Childhood, Reading, Language Arts (including 100 Book Challenge), World Languages, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Title I, Service-Learning, and AVID/College Board.

Vision
The Department of Liberal Arts is a collaborative community of leaders and learners who use data to inform, reflect, and model exemplary curriculum development and instructional delivery practices to provide students with an education that enables them to become lifelong learners, achievers, and global citizens.

Mission
The Department of Liberal Arts, in support of the Blueprint for Progress, provides schools with rigorous, technology-rich curricula and continuous instructional support that enables teachers to empower students to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to lead and learn throughout the 21st century. The teams within the department exemplify commitment and dedication toward this mission, by working collaboratively with school-based colleagues, as they prepare students to succeed in the workplace and higher education or the military.

Goals - Design and deliver curriculum that allows schools to:

• Provide an educational program that enables all students to reach or exceed state standards and expectations.
• Develop English language proficiency for all learners.
• Ensure all children entering kindergarten in Baltimore County Public Schools have the skills needed to be successful students.
• Identify, establish, and maintain collaborative partnerships both internal and external to Baltimore County Public Schools.
• Provide students with comprehensive understanding of the world they will inherit, 21st century literacy skills, and knowledge needed to provide leadership for the next generation.
• To enable all students, through second language study, to communicate with people in other cultures and countries, to develop a better understanding of their own language and culture, and to increase their awareness of opportunities in the global community.
• To expose students to an array of literary genres and develop in them creative and critical thinking, writing, and performance skills.

Dr. Elizabeth Aitken Executive Director

Darlene E. White Administrative Assistant

Phone: (410) 887-3866 Fax: (410) 887-2613