During a recent meeting held by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on May 16, 2023, significant strides were made towards enhancing college and career readiness for students across the state. The meeting focused on the ongoing development of the Virtual Ready for College and Career initiative, which aims to provide innovative educational opportunities for students.

A key highlight was the introduction of a governance and accountability framework, referred to as Pillar 5. This framework emphasizes the importance of expert review teams that will visit schools to assess the implementation of various educational initiatives. The goal is to evaluate curriculum and instruction, as well as college and career readiness programs, to identify best practices and areas for improvement. This collaborative effort will involve local education agencies (LEAs) and the accountability and implementation board to ensure effective monitoring and support.

Stakeholder engagement emerged as a central theme of the meeting. MSDE officials underscored their commitment to gathering input from a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, families, educators, community organizations, and business partners. This multi-pronged approach to engagement aims to ensure that the strategic planning process reflects the true priorities and needs of the community.

To date, MSDE has collected extensive feedback, with over 28,000 survey responses and participation from more than 6,000 individuals at various events. This data collection is crucial for shaping the strategic plan and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

As the initiative progresses, MSDE officials emphasized the importance of continued stakeholder involvement. They encouraged community members to actively participate and share their insights, reinforcing the idea that collective input is vital for the successful implementation of the strategic plan.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to remain engaged as MSDE moves forward with its mission to enhance educational opportunities and prepare students for future success. The ongoing dialogue and collaboration are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Maryland.