On April 13, 2023, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) hosted a virtual roundtable aimed at discussing the progress and future direction of the state's educational initiatives. The meeting highlighted significant engagement efforts, strategic planning, and the establishment of measurable goals to enhance educational outcomes for Maryland students.

The roundtable revealed that nearly 28,000 responses were collected from a statewide survey, reflecting diverse demographics and regions. Additionally, MSDE engaged with approximately 7,000 stakeholders through various events, including 28 roundtables that facilitated over 40 hours of dialogue. This extensive outreach underscores the department's commitment to inclusivity and community involvement in shaping educational policies.

Central to the discussions was the mission statement emphasizing the provision of a rigorous educational experience for every student, preparing them for college and career readiness. The vision articulated a goal of creating a system of world-class schools where students acquire essential knowledge and skills for success in life.

The meeting outlined five core values—accountability, engagement, equity, excellence, and transformation—that will guide decision-making processes. These values are intended to ensure that educational strategies are equitable and effective, addressing the diverse needs of students across the state.

Key priorities identified during the meeting included ensuring students are ready for kindergarten, proficient in reading by third grade, on track for high school success, and prepared for college and careers upon graduation. These priorities are supported by specific enablers, such as the need for transparent data publication, high-quality curricula, and enhanced support for social and emotional learning.

The roundtable also set forth measurable goals to track progress in achieving these priorities. For instance, the goal for kindergarten readiness is to increase the percentage of students demonstrating readiness on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA). Similarly, efforts will focus on improving reading proficiency among third graders and reducing chronic absenteeism and suspensions among middle school students.

Moreover, the meeting addressed the importance of strengthening the educator pipeline, emphasizing the recruitment and retention of diverse teaching staff. Goals include increasing the percentage of new teachers of color and enhancing teacher retention rates over a three-year period.

In conclusion, the MSDE roundtable served as a pivotal platform for discussing the strategic direction of Maryland's education system. The outlined priorities and goals reflect a comprehensive approach to fostering student success and addressing existing achievement gaps. As the department moves forward, the emphasis on community engagement and measurable outcomes will be crucial in ensuring that all Maryland students receive the quality education they deserve.