MarylandTransformsStrategicPlanningEngagementReport - Flipbook - Page 50
WHAT WE
LEARNED SO FAR
Marylanders across our state have conveyed a strong commitment and enduring support for public education. When asked how
important the quality of Maryland’s public schools are to the success of the state, an overwhelming majority have said that it is
extremely important. A strong majority have a positive view of Maryland public schools’ performance. At the same time, a diverse
array of stakeholders have stressed key areas for improvement, the unmet challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and
urgency about the need to transform educational experiences for all students at scale, especially those who have been historically
underserved.
Ensuring high-quality reading and writing learning experiences in the early grades was a top priority among all stakeholder
groups who completed the strategic planning survey. This reflects the critical importance that all Maryland students are proficient
in reading by the end of third grade, and those who are not have the necessary supports to become proficient. Additionally,
stakeholder groups, including teachers and school leaders, prioritized developing excellent teachers and recognizing and
rewarding them among their top five priorities.
Furthermore, in addition to survey responses, in-depth dialogues fostered by roundtables highlighted meaningful nuances in
the views and aspirations of Marylanders across our state. Black/African American respondents emphasized resources such as
access to advanced course work and pathways, and high-quality teachers for underserved communities in their most frequently
cited priorities. Participants in our educator roundtables stressed the urgency of addressing representation gaps in the teaching
profession, supporting new teachers’ growth through close collaboration, observation, and feedback from highly effective mentors,
and expanding access to job-embedded professional learning opportunities. Students and parents/guardians, in turn, advocated
for stronger wraparound supports, engagement, and better educational resources for families to support their students success in
school. Leaders from the business community passionately spoke about the need to elevate career and technical education and
ensuring better coordination between industry and the educational system to facilitate students’ access and success with career
exploration, work-based learning, and job placement opportunities.
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MARYLAND TRANSFORMS - ENGAGEMENT REPORT
