Andrea Bentley

The meeting commenced with logistical housekeeping regarding the virtual format and the introduction of a new organizational logo. Key discussion points included communications updates, noting attendance at the National Association of School and University Partnerships event, the celebration of Arts in Our Schools Month, and a meeting regarding proposed legislation on the three-credit ELL course. An update on the survey regarding asynchronous goals was provided, noting a need for rescheduling. Additionally, news was shared regarding the hiring of a new executive director for MAB. A reminder was issued concerning the deadline for financial disclosure forms. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates from the State Board's February meeting, covering supply, demand, and diversity in the teacher workforce, approval of assessments for paraprofessionals in Title I schools, revisions to the career ladder joint implementation policy, and the publishing of updates to regulations concerning various instructional and administrative roles. Further updates included the adoption of regulations for students at risk for reading difficulties and revisions to the comprehensive health education framework. A presentation on statewide AI guidance, including responsible use, academic integrity, and professional development, was also given, along with the adoption of legislative positions. Finally, permission was granted to publish regulations clarifying appeal procedures for county superintendent removal.

Key discussions during the meeting included opening remarks addressing staff efforts during the snowstorm and concerns over student safety due to political tensions. Public comments covered topics such as cultural competency in curriculum and special education. The Board approved the consent agenda, which included personnel actions, budget adjustments, and permissions to adopt COMAR regulations regarding Physical Education and Teacher Licensure. The State Superintendent provided an update highlighting the Governor's budget investment and the importance of NAEP testing participation. The Local Education Agency update featured Cecil County Public Schools discussing MCAP testing rigor. Stakeholders from the Maryland Association of Student Councils presented on leadership and advocacy efforts. Data was presented regarding Maryland's cohort graduation and dropout rates, followed by an update on the Academic Excellence Program Coaching Model, which detailed initiatives in Early Literacy and Mathematics. A proposed Comprehensive Adolescent Literacy Policy for grades 4-12, aligned with the Science of Reading, was presented for permission to publish. During an Executive Session, the Board reviewed and approved several Opinions and Orders related to local education boards. An information-only session provided an update on the new Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) results. The Board approved the Legislative Agenda and analyzed the Governor's FY2027 Budget proposal, noting funding allocations and reductions, such as for the Academic Excellence Program and the Childcare Scholarship Program. Finally, the Board approved the republishing of COMAR regulations concerning appeals to the State Board and discussed the reporting of Science of Reading training completion data for SY 2024-2025. Amendments to Joint Implementation Policy #2 regarding Minimum School Funding Requirements were also approved.

The committee meeting addressed several regulatory and policy items. Key discussions included seeking permission to republish regulations concerning local board member removal appeal procedures, which involved comprehensive reviews based on public feedback, leading to clarifications on who can submit requests and procedural adjustments like consolidating the consolidation period from 30 to 15 days. Additionally, the committee discussed amendments to the Physical Education instructional programs and framework, following extensive community engagement and professional learning sessions. Finally, the committee reviewed the proposed Adolescent Literacy Policy for grades 4 to 12, intended to strengthen coherence and sustain early literacy gains.

The meeting commenced with confirmation of a quorum and recognition of Black History Month and Career and Technology Education Month. Key discussions focused on protecting instructional time, previewing statewide Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance to enhance teaching, learning, and data protection, and reviewing the annual teacher workforce update. Public comment sessions included endorsements for the November 2025 comprehensive health education framework, emphasizing science-based, inclusive, and age-appropriate lessons, and feedback on the proposed COMAR revisions. Another speaker provided perspective on the importance of AI literacy through K-12 computer science education, noting concerns regarding privacy, bias, and over-reliance on AI, while supporting professional development. A representative from the Maryland State Education Association addressed the school accountability bill (HB1582), trust built with legislators, and the importance of collaborative time for educators.

The meeting convened to discuss updates on the monthly chronic absentee data collection, which aligns with Goal Four of the newly adopted strategic plan, specifically focusing on Outcome 4.A: decreasing the rate of chronic absenteeism in Maryland. Presenters detailed the methodology of the new monthly collection process, where Local Education Agencies (LEAs) report students missing 10% or more of enrolled days for that month. Data updates through December were shared, noting an uptick in chronic absence rates, with January showing a slight decrease. Discussion also included research findings, such as a study suggesting the federal 10% threshold might be too high for real-time risk monitoring, recommending a lower threshold for analysis. The importance of early identification, particularly in September and October, as a predictor of year-end chronic absenteeism was highlighted. Additionally, the committee was updated on a series of webinars conducted in partnership with Attendance Works, focusing on sustainable systems, equitable services, and community partnerships to address attendance challenges, with input solicited from various counties demonstrating progress.