The Maryland State Board of Education convened on September 26, 2023, to discuss significant findings from a comprehensive study on college readiness and assessment alignment. The meeting focused on a final report that synthesized various analyses conducted over the past few months, with particular emphasis on four key objectives.

The first objective aimed to identify the knowledge and skills necessary for students to be deemed college-ready. The second objective assessed the alignment between Maryland high school standards and the expectations of post-secondary institutions. The third objective evaluated how interim College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards predicted students' progress in higher education. Lastly, the fourth objective examined potential biases in assessments.

The presentation was structured to first address objectives one, two, and four, with a later segment dedicated to the predictive validity analysis of objective three. The report utilized a variety of data sources, including community college course requirements, surveys of faculty, and insights from focus groups. Additionally, student-level data from the Maryland Longitudinal Data System was pivotal for the predictive validity analysis.

Stakeholder engagement was a critical component of the study, with discussions held over nine months involving various educational groups, including the Maryland Higher Education Commission and community college representatives. Interim findings were shared with stakeholders, particularly in the final three months of the study, to ensure transparency and collaboration.

As the meeting progressed, the board prepared to delve deeper into the findings and implications of the study, setting the stage for future discussions on enhancing educational standards and student preparedness in Maryland.