The Virtual Ready For High School Charette held on May 11, 2023, focused on strategies to enhance the middle school experience in Maryland, preparing students for high school. The meeting, led by Superintendent Choudhary, emphasized the importance of implementing evidence-based practices in middle schools.

The discussion began with Superintendent Choudhary outlining three key strategies derived from middle school research. First, he highlighted the need for flexible scheduling, which allows schools to adapt to student needs through methods like block scheduling. This flexibility is intended to facilitate teacher collaboration and systematic responses to student challenges.

Second, the meeting stressed the importance of interdisciplinary or team teaching. Choudhary noted that teachers should communicate about students across different subjects to address their social and emotional needs effectively. This collaborative approach is seen as essential for supporting students holistically.

The third strategy discussed was the necessity of offering a robust selection of enrichment and elective courses. Choudhary pointed out that these offerings are crucial for middle school students, particularly during their formative adolescent years. He mentioned the role of advisory periods in fostering social-emotional development and student connectedness.

Following the presentation of these strategies, the meeting transitioned into a ranking exercise where participants were encouraged to share their perspectives on the proposed initiatives. Attendees were instructed to use a digital platform to rank the strategies and engage in discussions about the conditions necessary for successful implementation, particularly for historically underserved students.

The meeting concluded with a call for open dialogue, inviting participants to express their thoughts and innovative ideas. The feedback gathered during this session is expected to inform ongoing planning efforts aimed at improving the middle school experience in Maryland, aligning with the state's educational blueprint.