The Maryland Board of Education held a virtual public hearing on November 9, 2023, to discuss significant changes to the criteria for determining college and career readiness (CCR) for high school students. A central focus of the meeting was a proposal that would classify students who earn a D in Algebra 1 as not being college and career ready.

During the hearing, a speaker raised concerns about the implications of this proposal. They argued that the proposal oversimplifies the complex issue of student preparedness by relying heavily on a single grade in Algebra 1. The speaker noted that data from their district indicated that no students met the criteria of having both a D in Algebra 1 and a 3.0 GPA alongside a 750 score on the Algebra 1 MCAP, suggesting that the proposal might not accurately reflect the realities of student performance.

The speaker emphasized the importance of considering a broader range of factors when assessing student readiness, rather than reverting to a single measure. They pointed out that students who earn a D in Algebra 1 often continue on to subsequent courses, and limiting their opportunities based on this one grade could contradict the recommendations of educational reform efforts aimed at providing more robust pathways for student success.

Additionally, the speaker questioned the rationale behind prioritizing a ninth-grade Algebra 1 grade as a key indicator of future success in college-level mathematics. They argued that the years of mathematics education following Algebra 1 are more relevant to a student's preparedness for college courses, and that the proposed changes could complicate the overall understanding of what constitutes college and career readiness.

The discussion highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to evaluating student readiness, one that considers multiple aspects of a student's academic journey rather than focusing on a single course or grade. The board's decision on this proposal will have significant implications for how students are assessed and supported in their educational paths moving forward.