The School Staff Virtual Roundtable held on April 13, 2023, by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) focused on the strategic planning process for improving educational outcomes in low-performing schools. The meeting, which ran from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EST, aimed to engage stakeholders in discussions about the strategic plan's goals, metrics, and future phases.

The session began with a presentation outlining the identification of goals and metrics related to low-performing schools, specifically targeting students in grades 3 through 8. The data will be disaggregated by various student groups, including race, ethnicity, economic status, disabilities, and English learners, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of student needs across local education agencies.

Following the presentation, the facilitator emphasized the importance of stakeholder input in the strategic planning process. With 27,000 responses already collected from a survey, the goal is to increase participation further. The strategic plan and engagement report for the first two phases are available online, encouraging stakeholders to review the changes made and the rationale behind selected priorities and goals.

The meeting also introduced the next phase of the strategic planning process, which will involve design activities aimed at identifying flagship programs and strategies. Continued engagement through listening sessions, roundtables, and public events is planned to foster ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.

During the Q&A segment, participants raised questions regarding salary enhancements for counselors and the strategic plan's provisions for newcomer students. The responses highlighted the commitment to providing necessary support for all students, including those who have recently arrived in Maryland. Additionally, it was noted that the blueprint funding is designed to last for ten years, with hopes for sustainability beyond that period.

As the roundtable transitioned to participant introductions, attendees were encouraged to rank the strategic plan's priorities and enablers, ensuring that the discussion would reflect the most pressing concerns of those involved in the education system.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the MSDE's commitment to transparency and collaboration in the strategic planning process, with a clear focus on improving educational outcomes for all students in Maryland. The next steps will involve further stakeholder engagement and the implementation of identified strategies as the plan progresses into its final phases.