This Information Capsule answers the most frequently asked questions about M-DCPS' academic performance during the 2008-09 school year. M-DCPS earned a performance grade of "B" in 2009 and was only four points short of an "A." Over half of the District's schools (58 percent) earned an "A" and the percent of "C," "D," and "F" schools decreased from 35 percent in 2008 to 27 percent in 2009. Overall, the District's performance on the FCAT improved from 2008 to 2009. In reading and mathematics, the percent of the District's students scoring at the higher achievement levels increased at the majority of grade levels. In Writing and Science, performance improved at the elementary level. Although White students continued to score higher than Black or Hispanic students in all subject areas and grade levels, the District made progress closing the achievement gap. The largest reductions were observed in reading and mathematics, with Black and Hispanic students closing their score gaps with White students in five to seven of the eight grade levels tested. (Contains 8 figures and 2 tables.)