City Springs Student Receives National Excellence in Education Award

Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) is proud to celebrate Carli Crowner, a sixth grade student at City Springs Elementary/Middle School, for receiving the 2026 Carnine–McRoberts Student Improvement Award from the National Institute for Direct Instruction (NIFDI).

Presented as part of the 2026 NIFDI Excellence in Education Awards, the Carnine–McRoberts Student Improvement Award recognizes students from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional academic growth through Direct Instruction (DI). The award honors students who have overcome significant challenges, shown consistent academic improvement, and achieved outstanding results with the support of dedicated educators.

This prestigious national award includes a $1,000 scholarship for the student and an additional $1,000 award for City Springs to support continued student success.

Watch the video of Carlie’s award presentation. 

A Journey of Remarkable Growth

Carli began attending City Springs in first grade. She entered with very limited foundational academic skills, particularly in reading, and was placed in the Reading Mastery Kindergarten Signatures program to build the skills she needed to succeed.

Her progress was remarkable. After just a few months, Carli tested into the beginning of Reading Mastery Signatures 1. By the beginning of second grade, she was reading on grade level and moved into Reading Mastery Transformations 2. Since then, Carli has completed Reading Mastery Transformations 2, 3, 4, and 5. Since fourth grade, she has been a top performer in her class, demonstrating exceptional academic growth, perseverance, and a strong commitment to learning.

Carli’s growth extends beyond academics. She is a positive leader among her peers and is often the first to encourage a classmate who is struggling or frustrated. She models perseverance without seeking attention and consistently demonstrates the City Springs habits and attributes that help students become successful learners and members of their community.

The Power of Direct Instruction

DI has been a cornerstone of BCP’s educational model for 30 years. Through explicit, research-based instruction, ongoing assessment, and targeted support, BCP schools help students build strong foundational skills and achieve meaningful academic growth. Carlie’s experience illustrates the power of that approach. 

The Carnine–McRoberts Student Improvement Award celebrates not only individual student achievement but also the dedication of educators who help students reach their full potential. Carli’s success is a powerful example of what can happen when perseverance, effective instruction, and a supportive school community come together.

Congratulations to Carli on this outstanding national recognition. The entire City Springs and BCP community is proud of your accomplishments and excited to see all that you achieve in the future.