As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the virtual meeting space, members of the Maryland Board of Education gathered for a pivotal public hearing on November 9, 2023. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as educators, administrators, and community members tuned in to discuss significant educational initiatives aimed at enhancing literacy across the state.

The meeting commenced with a clear message from board members, dispelling rumors about potential changes to the size of the state board. With transparency at the forefront, the board emphasized its commitment to maintaining its current structure, reassuring attendees that no legislative proposals were on the table for expansion.

The heart of the meeting focused on a groundbreaking proposal for a statewide literacy expert instructional support team. Dr. Wright and Dr. Collins presented this initiative, designed to bolster early literacy efforts in Maryland. The proposal aims to create a team of literacy experts who will assess and support local education agencies (LEAs) in implementing effective reading strategies based on the science of reading.

Dr. Collins outlined the initiative's goals, highlighting its alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future and the Accountability Implementation Board's comprehensive plan. The team will conduct in-depth evaluations of literacy practices in schools, providing tailored feedback and support to ensure that all students achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade. This initiative builds on previous efforts, including the Ready to Read Act and Maryland LEADS, and seeks to create a robust framework for literacy across the state.

The board plans to hire approximately ten literacy experts who will work collaboratively with LEAs, visiting schools to gather data and insights on current literacy instruction. This hands-on approach aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement in reading education, ultimately benefiting students statewide.

As the meeting progressed, board members expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative, recognizing its potential to transform literacy education in Maryland. The proposal is set to be reviewed by the Accountability Implementation Board in the coming week, marking a significant step forward in the state's commitment to educational excellence.

With the meeting drawing to a close, the board reiterated its dedication to transparency and community engagement, inviting ongoing dialogue as they work to enhance educational outcomes for all Maryland students. The discussions held during this virtual hearing signal a promising future for literacy initiatives, as Maryland continues to prioritize the academic success of its youngest learners.