The Maryland State Board of Education is moving forward with significant changes to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards, following a comprehensive research study conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways for students, ensuring they are better prepared for post-secondary opportunities.

During a virtual public hearing held on November 9, 2023, education officials discussed the importance of adopting a CCR standard that reflects the findings of the recent study. Meeting the CCR standard is crucial as it allows students to access advanced educational programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, dual enrollment options, and career technical education (CTE). These pathways are designed to facilitate smoother transitions into community colleges and other post-secondary institutions.

The timeline for this initiative began with the kickoff of the research study on December 1, 2022. Since then, AIR has presented interim reports and a final report, which included policy recommendations for the CCR standard. The state board has already begun to incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, including educators, higher education representatives, and workforce leaders, to ensure a comprehensive approach to the new standards.

As part of the ongoing public input process, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has opened an online feedback survey, which will remain available until November 30. The board plans to vote on the proposed CCR standard during its meeting on December 5, 2023. This decision will be pivotal in shaping the educational landscape for Maryland students, emphasizing the importance of community engagement throughout the process.

The commitment to stakeholder involvement has been a priority for MSDE and AIR, with numerous focus groups and surveys conducted to gather diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the new CCR standards meet the needs of all students and prepare them effectively for their future endeavors.