On June 1, 2023, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) hosted a Community Partner Virtual Roundtable, focusing on the strategic plan aimed at addressing educational disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for reform in Maryland's education system, particularly for historically underserved students, as performance metrics have shown a downward trend since 2013.

State Superintendent emphasized that returning to pre-pandemic norms would not suffice, as those conditions failed to provide equitable opportunities for all students. The strategic plan, which is set to be released later this month, aims to align the department's efforts with the current needs of students and fulfill the promises of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future—a comprehensive education reform initiative passed by the General Assembly in 2021.

The Blueprint represents a historic investment of $3.8 billion over ten years, designed to transform every aspect of Maryland's educational landscape. It is built around five key pillars: early childhood education, recruitment of high-quality teachers, college and career readiness, increased resources for student success, and enhanced governance and accountability. Each pillar includes specific initiatives, such as expanding access to affordable pre-kindergarten, creating incentives for teachers, and investing in community schools.

The meeting outlined the strategic plan's development process, which began in November 2021 with surveys and listening sessions to gather input from stakeholders. The current phase focuses on identifying flagship programs and strategies that will drive the plan's implementation. The superintendent noted that the plan's success hinges on setting clear targets and refining goals based on community feedback.

As Maryland prepares to unveil this strategic plan, the discussions at the roundtable underscore a commitment to addressing educational inequities and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education. The anticipated release of the strategic plan marks a critical step in the state's ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes and support for its diverse student population.