The Maryland State Board of Education convened on September 26, 2023, to discuss significant developments in community college education, particularly focusing on student placement and success rates. A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation by Dr. Daria Willis, president of Howard Community College (HCC), who outlined transformative changes aimed at improving student outcomes.

Dr. Willis emphasized the importance of accurately assessing students' readiness for college-level courses. She reported that HCC has been analyzing data on student placements in developmental courses, revealing that many students, particularly from minority backgrounds, were miscategorized. To address this issue, HCC plans to eliminate developmental courses by Fall 2024, shifting to a model that relies on GPA for placement. This decision is based on data showing that students placed by GPA had significantly higher success rates in their courses compared to those assessed through traditional testing methods like the ACCUPLACER.

The meeting also featured discussions on the implementation of co-requisite courses, which will provide additional support for students who do not qualify for credit-bearing classes. This approach aims to enhance student retention and completion rates, ensuring that all students have the necessary resources to succeed.

In addition to Dr. Willis's presentation, board members engaged in discussions about the broader implications of these changes for community colleges across Maryland. The focus on data-driven decision-making reflects a commitment to improving educational equity and access for all students.

As Maryland moves forward with these initiatives, the Board of Education is optimistic that these reforms will lead to better educational outcomes and a more inclusive environment for students in community colleges statewide. The next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of these changes and assessing their impact on student success in the coming years.