The Maryland State Board of Education convened on June 27, 2023, to discuss critical updates regarding high school end-of-course assessments. Donna Blaney, the local accountability coordinator for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), presented a request for a one-year delay in the implementation of these assessments.

Blaney emphasized that the timing of the proposed changes, just one month before the new school year, poses significant challenges for districts. She highlighted the lack of essential information from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), particularly regarding the timeline for score returns from the test vendor. This information is crucial for districts to finalize their testing calendars and ensure that assessment grades are integrated into students' overall course grades.

The MCPS representative raised concerns about the exclusion of algebra and English from the proposed amendments to the assessments, questioning the rationale behind this decision so close to the school year. Blaney argued that without clear implementation guidelines and timely communication, it would be difficult for schools to prepare adequately for the upcoming changes.

In her closing remarks, Blaney urged the board to consider delaying the implementation for an additional year to allow for better collaboration with MSDE and to develop a comprehensive communication plan for students, families, and staff. This request underscores the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared for significant educational changes.

The meeting also included light-hearted remarks from board members, with one member mentioning a scheduled cataract procedure, indicating a personal touch amidst the serious discussions. The board's response to MCPS's request and the next steps in the assessment implementation process remain to be seen.