The Maryland State Board of Education convened on September 26, 2023, to discuss critical findings from a recent study on high school students' readiness for post-secondary education. The study, which tracked approximately 300,000 students, revealed that 85% graduated on time, with over half immediately enrolling in some form of college after high school.

A significant focus of the meeting was the classification of students into various post-secondary pathways and the effectiveness of different measures to assess college and career readiness (CCR). The analysis highlighted that students who attended Maryland colleges had their progress tracked through metrics such as college GPA and credits earned. Notably, the study found that high school GPA emerged as the strongest predictor of post-secondary success, outperforming standardized test scores.

The Board also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student transitions, particularly for those who took gap years. While the study did not directly analyze the effects of COVID-19, it acknowledged that a small percentage of students delayed college enrollment, which could influence overall readiness metrics.

In evaluating the CCR standards, the Board discussed three alternative specifications aimed at improving the accuracy of student classifications. These included an inclusive standard that lowered proficiency thresholds, a standard allowing for a high school GPA of at least 3, and a combined standard requiring both a minimum GPA and test scores. The findings indicated that these alternative standards significantly improved the accuracy of classifying students as ready or not ready for college, with the highest accuracy rates observed when incorporating GPA.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of these findings, particularly regarding equity concerns for historically underserved student populations. The Board emphasized the importance of refining CCR standards to ensure that all students have equitable opportunities for post-secondary success. As Maryland continues to assess and adapt its educational strategies, these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping future policies aimed at enhancing student outcomes.