Abernethy began her teaching career in 1968 as a math and science instructor for sixth, seventh and eighth grade at Holy Cross School in Dover, Del. Over the years, she has held teaching and administrative positions at the elementary, middle and high school levels, including serving as principal for Holy Spirit Catholic School in Asbury Park, N.J., during the late 1970s.
She has a doctorate in educational psychology and research from Fordham University. She also has a master's degree in mathematics education and bachelor's degree in education, both from the University of Delaware.
Morgan, who previously was chief academic officer in Baltimore City schools, said Abernethy's expertise in analyzing data, including results of statewide assessments, to improve instruction made her a valuable resource for Washington County. The system in western Maryland has about 22,000 students, nearly 40 percent of whom qualify for free and reduced-price meals, an indication of a high level of poverty in the community.
Morgan said she credits Abernethy with helping to increase the number of students in Washington County taking Advanced Placement courses and boosting the system's performance on statewide exams, such as the High School Assessments.
During Abernethy's tenure from 2002 to 2006 as deputy superintendent for instruction in Washington County, the system's performance on HSA exams went from among the state's lowest 25 percent to the top 25 percent, Morgan said. Last year, the county had the state's highest percent of students passing the algebra HSA, she said.
In addition, Abernethy installed "student achievement specialists" in each school to help teachers and administrators crunch data to figure out what's working and which changes may be necessary to improve student performance.
"She didn't do this alone; we've done this as a team," Morgan said. "But she was responsible for creating the infrastructure for these things to happen. ... She brought really strong academics, competent leadership and the guts to stand her grounds on standards."
gina.davis@baltsun.com
Academic officer
Patricia E. Abernethy
Age: : 61
Residence: : Ellicott City
In the News: : Appointed chief academic officer for the Baltimore County school system
Education: : Doctorate in education psychology and research from Fordham University; master's degree in mathematics education and bachelor's degree in education, both from the University of Delaware
Professional: : Deputy chief of staff for strategic planning and accountability, Baltimore City public schools (2006-2008); deputy superintendent for instruction, Washington County public schools (2002-2006); curriculum and instruction officer/area executive officer, Baltimore City public schools (1998-2002); executive administrator, CIENJ (Total Quality Management in Education)/Continuous Improvement of Education, New Jersey (1994-1998); superintendent of schools, Burlington City (N.J.) public schools, (1991-1994); director of testing/research/program evaluation, Cherry Hill (N.J.) public schools (1988-1991); principal, assistant principal and teacher at elementary, middle and high school levels, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland (1968-1988)
Source: Baltimore County Public Schools
