Baltimore, MD – The Maryland State Board of Education will convene Tuesday, August 26, at 9 a.m. to review state assessment results and consider new policies aimed at improving school climate and academic outcomes.
The meeting, held at the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building in Baltimore, will feature a detailed analysis of the 2024–2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), which measures student performance in key academic areas across the state.
Board members will also consider a resolution addressing cell phone use in schools—a topic that has gained renewed attention amid concerns over classroom distraction, student focus, and school environment.
Additional agenda items include progress reports on the Maryland State Department of Education’s Strategic Plan outcomes, updates on chronic absenteeism trends, and initiatives aimed at strengthening professional learning for educators.
The Board will also recognize several schools nominated for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools Program for their leadership in environmental sustainability, health, and environmental education.
Representatives from the Maryland State Education Association and the Baltimore Teachers Union are scheduled to participate in stakeholder engagement sessions, offering input on educator challenges and current priorities in school systems statewide.
Public comment is welcomed during the meeting, with registration available to a limited number of individuals in both the morning and afternoon sessions.
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Key Points
- The State Board will review Maryland’s 2024–2025 student assessment results and debate cell phone policies in schools
- Updates will be provided on absenteeism, educator training, and Strategic Plan outcomes
- Recognitions will include schools nominated for the U.S. Green Ribbon Schools Program
Maryland’s top education leaders will weigh student performance and policy changes at a pivotal meeting this Tuesday.