Mark Cummins

The committee meeting focused on reviewing and discussing updated math and literacy policies, specifically transitioning them from items for permission to publish to items for information and discussion. Key updates included a summary of the recent Align, Connect, and Elevate literacy and math convening for school district staff, as well as an in-depth presentation on the proposed Maryland secondary mathematics program, which aims to diversify course options, improve coherence, and modernize high school math instruction to align with student goals and college and career readiness.

The Maryland State Department of Education's Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive framework for educational advancement, structured around five core pillars. These pillars encompass Early Childhood Education, High-Quality and Diverse Teachers and Leaders, College and Career Readiness, More Resources for Student Success, and Governance and Accountability. The plan aims to ensure all children have access to quality early education, schools are staffed with diverse and high-quality personnel, students are prepared for future endeavors, adequate resources support student achievement, and robust accountability mechanisms are in place across all schools and districts.

This document provides an update on changes to the school accountability rating system, driven by the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session and the COMPASS Act (HB1582). The underlying strategic plan for the Maryland State Department of Education is structured around five pillars: Early Childhood Education, High-Quality & Diverse Teachers and Leaders, College and Career Readiness, More Resources for Student Success, and Governance and Accountability. The update outlines the redesign of the Maryland School Report Card to better reflect student growth and enable the implementation of a new accountability system alongside a new statewide assessment in the upcoming school year, aligning with the strategic plan's goals for improved educational outcomes and governance.

The board meeting agenda covered a diverse set of topics, including the approval of personnel actions and budget adjustments, as well as the consideration of various Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) regarding supervisors of instruction, library media administrators, and special education supervisors. Other key discussions involved the State Superintendent's update, local education agency updates, and recognition of the Principals of the Year. The board also reviewed comprehensive policies for math and literacy, discussed child care regulations, and held a child care provider panel. Additional agenda items included an update on educator licensure and school social worker programs, a highlight of the Grow Your Own Program and registered teacher apprenticeship, a comprehensive enrollment update, and a report on the accountability system and COMPASS Act.

The committee meeting was convened specifically to transition immediately into an executive session. The entire meeting was dedicated to the discussion of the fiscal year 2028 agency budget estimates and funding requests, pursuant to the annotated code of Maryland.