The Maryland State Board of Education convened on July 25, 2023, to discuss significant findings from ongoing studies related to college and career readiness (CCR) standards. The meeting primarily focused on the interim reports from the American Institutes for Research (AIR), which are part of a broader initiative to evaluate and enhance the state's educational standards.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is currently conducting a comprehensive study to define and assess CCR standards, as mandated by the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. This study includes both quantitative and qualitative analyses aimed at understanding the relationship between high school performance and success in post-secondary education. The quantitative aspect evaluates the predictive validity of the current interim CCR standards, while the qualitative component examines the alignment of K-12 content standards with post-secondary expectations.

Key findings from the interim report indicate that the current CCR standards, established in February 2022, rely heavily on students passing specific English and math assessments. The report suggests that incorporating high school GPA as an additional measure could significantly increase the percentage of students identified as college and career ready, from 40% to 64%, while also improving the accuracy of these classifications.

The qualitative analysis revealed that while high school academic content generally aligns with post-secondary expectations, many students still lack readiness for college or workforce entry. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of non-academic skills, such as critical thinking and self-direction, which are crucial for success in higher education and the workforce. The report also highlighted the need for more comprehensive support systems to help students develop these essential skills.

The meeting included discussions on the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the study process, with focus groups involving educators from K-12, higher education, and workforce sectors. These discussions aimed to gather insights on perceptions of college and career readiness and identify potential biases in current assessment methods.

Looking ahead, the final report, which will synthesize findings from both the predictive validity and content alignment studies, is expected to be released by September 1, 2023. This report will provide a more detailed analysis of the alignment between Maryland's K-12 standards and post-secondary expectations, as well as recommendations for improving educational outcomes for students across the state.

The board's discussions underscored the ongoing commitment to refining educational standards and ensuring that Maryland students are adequately prepared for their future academic and career endeavors.