Montgomery County Schools Update Academic Performance Data and Strategic Plan Goals

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) officials presented critical academic performance data during a recent government meeting, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in student achievement. The discussions centered around the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) and the Maryland School Report Card, which serve as key indicators of educational outcomes in the district.

Dr. Keshia Addison, Director of Shared Accountability, emphasized the importance of these assessments in tracking student performance in English language arts and mathematics. The data revealed that while overall proficiency in English language arts has remained stable, mathematics scores have shown steady improvement. For instance, the district's overall mathematics proficiency increased from 30.2% in 2022 to 33.4% in 2024, with notable gains in specific grades, such as a jump from 37.6% to 43.1% in fourth grade math.

However, the meeting also underscored significant disparities in achievement among different student groups. While Asian and white students demonstrated proficiency rates of 50% or higher, Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino students lagged behind, with rates of 20.5% and 13.7%, respectively. Additionally, multilingual learners and students receiving free or reduced-price meals showed alarmingly low proficiency rates, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.

The strategic plan presented by MCPS aims to address these gaps by focusing on four key goals: ensuring high academic achievement, promoting meaningful post-secondary outcomes, fostering a positive learning environment, and supporting staff development. Dr. Addison noted that the data collected this year will serve as a baseline for future assessments, allowing the district to measure progress against these goals.

As the school year progresses, MCPS is committed to implementing data-driven strategies to enhance educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. The meeting concluded with a call for continued investment in curriculum development and teacher training to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.