In a pivotal meeting on July 25, 2023, the Maryland State Board of Education discussed significant changes to high school graduation requirements, particularly the transition from high-stakes exams to end-of-course (EOC) assessments. This shift, prompted by findings from a task force, aims to address the disproportionate impact of standardized testing on minority and economically disadvantaged students, who have historically faced barriers to graduation.

The board's decision to decouple high-stakes exams from graduation requirements, initially made in May 2021, was reaffirmed as they prepare for the 2023-2024 school year. The new regulations will require that only science and government assessments count towards graduation, while math and English exams will no longer be included. This change reflects a broader commitment to reduce the pressure of high-stakes testing and to focus on a student's overall course performance, which is deemed a better predictor of future success.

During the meeting, board members highlighted the importance of engaging local education agencies (LEAs) in the transition process. They acknowledged the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the implementation of the new Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP). To facilitate a smoother transition, the board granted waivers to LEAs, allowing them additional time to adapt to the new requirements.

A key feature of the upcoming assessments is the introduction of a new reporting and administration platform, which promises faster turnaround times for results—within nine days of testing. This is expected to provide LEAs with timely data to support student learning. Additionally, the board is implementing flexible grading policies to accommodate various local needs, including provisions for English learners and students with disabilities.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding Advanced Placement (AP) courses, particularly the timing of AP exam results, which often arrive too late to be factored into students' grades. The board confirmed that students enrolled in AP government courses would still need to take the MCAP assessment, but the AP exam results would not count towards the EOC requirement.

As the board moves forward, they emphasized the importance of ongoing communication with LEAs to ensure successful implementation of these changes. With the school year approaching, the board is committed to supporting educators and students through this transition, aiming to create a more equitable assessment system that prioritizes student success over standardized testing pressures.