The Maryland State Board of Education meeting on September 26, 2023, spotlighted significant changes in community college placement strategies, particularly at Howard Community College (HCC). Dr. Daria Willis, the college's president, presented a bold initiative aimed at enhancing student success by eliminating developmental courses by fall 2024.

Dr. Willis emphasized the importance of accurately assessing students' readiness for college-level work. She shared insights from her tenure at HCC, where data revealed that students placed based on GPA had a much higher success rate—over 86%—compared to those assessed through traditional methods like the SAT or ACCUPLACER, which showed success rates below 65%. This data-driven approach aims to address misplacement issues that have historically affected students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

The proposed shift to a GPA-based placement system is designed to streamline the educational experience and improve completion rates. Dr. Willis also introduced a co-requisite model, which will provide additional support through embedded tutors in credit-bearing courses for students who may need extra help.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that prioritizes student success. As HCC moves forward with these changes, the implications for student achievement and equity in education are significant, promising a more supportive framework for all learners.