The Maryland Education Coalition (MEC) advocates for adequate funding, equitable policies, and transparent accountability statewide for
over 850,000 students in Maryland’s public schools, regardless of their academic, cultural, economic, geographic, racial, or other demographic status.
We believe there must be meaningful public education stakeholder participation in the decision-making process at the local, state and federal level as defined in federal law.
Contact - md.ed.coalition@gmail.com *** For MEC Members, Click HERE
Ellie MItchell & Rick Tyler, Jr. - Co-Chairs
The leadership for the Maryland Education Coalition (MEC) thanks our member organizations, partners and friends who worked with MEC to advocate for public education priorities
New (MSDE) Reading Literacy Policy Approved October 2024
Purpose of the State Comprehensive K-3 Literacy Policy
•Develop a policy to align with the State Board Resolution 24-01, Statewide Adoption and Implementation of the Science of Reading.
•Clearly outline expectations for curriculum adoption, assessment, data analysis, early warning systems, interventions, and accountability.
•Provide clear connections and alignment between early literacy policy research and the needs of all students K to 3.
•Clarify and develop more rigorous requirements already embedded in previously passed state statutes, such as the Ready to Read Act and §7-202 of Maryland’s Education Code, which set minimum levels of reading ability.
UPDATE ON STATE COMPREHENSIVE K-3 LITERACY POLICY
– Comprehensive PreK—3 Literacy Policy Version 4 - HERE
The final version of the Literacy Policy is designed to improve literacy outcomes for all Maryland students, particularly those who are disadvantaged or at risk, provide guidance and support to LEAs in implementing effective literacy programs, and aligns with the SBOE's goals for improving educational outcomes for all students.
• Evidence-based approach: The policy aligns with the science of reading and incorporates evidence-based practices to ensure effective literacy instruction.
• Equity: The policy promotes instructional equity by providing all students with access to high-quality literacy instruction, regardless of their background or needs.
• Early intervention: The policy emphasizes early identification and intervention for students who may be at risk for reading difficulties.
• Collaboration: The policy fosters collaboration between schools, families, and communities to support students’ literacy development.
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Adopted Amendments to Version 4 of the Comprehensive
PreK— 3 Literacy Policy - HERE Version 4 revisions below:
• Clarification on the inclusion of all students;
• Clarification on guidance, technical assistance, and training provided by
MSDE;
• Focus on Tier I/Core Instruction;
• Focus on Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS);
• Provision of multiple pathways for students to transition from grade to
grade;
• Clarification of responsibilities for local education agencies (LEAs), MSDE,
and the SBOE;
• More information on parental notification and additional supports; and
• Provision of an updated timeline.
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If you have any questions about this process, please submit them to: stateboard.msde@maryland.gov. or go HERE.
PS - MSDE released Version 4 the 2nd week of October.
The board voted to approve the policy with amendments during their October 22, 2024 meeting. If approved, the new third grade retention policy would take effect during the 2026-’27 school year.
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MARYLAND REPORT CARD 2023-24 RELEASED
Results from the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) for the 2023-2024 school year - Presentation and PowerPoint of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) 2023-2024 Results
Maryland Report Card Main Page HERE
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Data Download HERE
MCAP results will be available on the MCAP tab of the Maryland Report Card website during September 2024 HERE
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Maryland Public Education News, Events, Resources
MEC 2024 Highlights
MEC considered 341 bills (10%) of 3,480 bills Introduced by the Maryland General Assembly (MGA) during the 2024 Legislative Session. 119 (35%) bills MEC considered were passed. (NOTE: This does not include bills individual members of MEC or smaller groups within may have also addressed)
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CLICK HERE for the MEC bill chart with bills that passed and bills MEC took action on.
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CLICK HERE for bills signed into law by the Governor
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Click HERE for FY 2025 Operating and Capital Budget Details
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Maryland General Assembly Main Page - HERE
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2024 Interim Dates of Interest - HERE
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ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
If you believe your student(s) may be eligible for the Free or Reduced Breakfast or Lunch Program, it is encouraged for you to insure the school is notified. If eligible, they may not only receive Free or Reduced-Breakfast of Lunch, but their school system would be eligible for additional funding to support their education and other student services.
Similarly, if your family or student(s) does not have health, but is eligible, it is suggested to enroll in the Medicaid program or the Children Health Program, if they adults are not eligible.
For the current 2024-25 school years, school systems with eligible, enrolled students received an additional $7,559 per student.
Schools with a high percentage of lower income students may also receive an additional $261 to $2,042 per student through the Community School Program. (The latter varies by the percentage of eligible students, total students, years in the program, etc.)
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Maryland Medicaid Renewal is NOT automatic.
Current enrollment of all Medicaid eligible families with students can have a significant impact on the amount of funding your school system, school and student may receive yearly.
So, Keep Your Info Current. Keep Yourself Insured before September 30th!
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Get the FAQ's and much more, by clicking HERE.
Also, The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) provides free coverage to eligible uninsured children whose family earns too much money to get Medicaid, but not enough to afford private health insurance. Your child may be eligible for Medicaid or MCHP even if you are not. Click HERE to learn more.