[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6805058,"mediaKeyId","5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789","parentId",5681506,"title","State board urges districts to adopt clearer, equitable cell-phone policies after Phones & Focus findings","audioSeconds",3565,"startMs",10342275,"endMs",13908226,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789&start=10342&end=13908","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789/thumbnail_10342275.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6805058/Maryland/State-board-urges-districts-to-adopt-clearer-equitable-cell-phone-policies-after-Phones-Focus-findings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6805058-3dcc9e44d5fef204c4f9145a797d1e21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002727&Signature=AlpsPA~Fd3EcvEbFLZsn5i1LVrNQrO25v-QHjR9pauV2qwZ~LhBn00svAwRM5gJJ2oyqJpN8djOoFH6ytqRoGyhrztwCXXuimaMbGiD3ItjhcU9ERvFvKw9Mf2kno1-JepVoT2mvjYXxRlq-LpdAoyNRBHVCyBQpeNi5nKHeTpkyQJghneD1s1pjtJLTJLbSdMy3XQ8Xf~JwGGTxZqCOuzCXU2JdOjWaNVp5QUnAT0-fdpy2MjrO9QYie9eZpKfZZNBLRbi9Xx6g4f2K4vXx0le-Pf6yGMqmNOeHfY1HbZkXllGDeysbUKTgQDCGpgH2qZkgKsRIG7SzGp6OF0jfYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland Department of Education","date","2025-08-26T21:33:38.897Z","article","After a presentation from Phones & Focus researcher Dr. Angela Duckworth, the Maryland State Board of Education on Tuesday voted unanimously to adopt a resolution encouraging local education agencies to develop clear, equitable school cell-phone policies.

Dr. Duckworth summarized national and Maryland educator survey responses collected by Phones & Focus and partners: more than 7,800 Maryland educators responded. She explained a policy axis that combines when phones may be used (bell-to-bell vs. schedule-based) and where they're kept (from office collection to \"no-show\" backpacks). \"The farther the phone, the higher the GPA,\" Duckworth said when explaining experimental and survey evidence linking physical distance from devices to improved academic outcomes.

MSDE task-force staff (Laurel Cratsley and Hannah Oakley) told the board that 18 of 24 local education agencies reported some bell-to-bell restrictions for younger students, and that many LEAs differentiate grade-level rules and permit school-level choices for storage (lockers, pouches, classroom collection). MSDE emphasized the need for explicit exemptions for students with disabilities, clarity on emergency-preparedness protocols, and non-punitive discipline aligned with multi-tiered student supports.

Board members asked practical questions about enforcement, cost (yonder pouches vs. lockers), and parent concerns (safety and logistics). Duckworth said qualitative responses show parents most often cite safety and the need to contact children as drivers of resistance; MSDE said case studies of \"Goldilocks\" schools (where teachers and students are satisfied) will be developed.

The board adopted resolution 2.502, \"Promoting equitable and effective student cell phone use policies in Maryland public schools,\" by voice vote. The resolution is advisory and does not mandate LEA action; MSDE will continue LEA surveys and make implementation resources available.

Next steps: MSDE and Phones & Focus will continue fall data collection (mid-October to mid-November), share school- and district-level snapshots where privacy thresholds are met, publish qualitative case studies from high-performing schools, and support LEA stakeholder engagement planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education | Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 9am - 4:20pm EST","oneSentenceSummary","The State Board unanimously adopted a non-mandatory resolution urging local education agencies to define stakeholder-driven, emergency-ready, and disability‑accommodating phone policies. MSDE presented Phones & Focus survey data showing stricter storage/enforcement correlates with less in-class distraction and higher educator satisfaction.","taxTitle","Maryland Department of Education, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",79256,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6805063,"Maryland reports modest MCAP gains; math lags and subgroup gaps persist",3245,7071045,10316175,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789&start=7071&end=10316","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789/thumbnail_7071045.jpg","/articles/6805063/Maryland/Maryland-reports-modest-MCAP-gains-math-lags-and-subgroup-gaps-persist","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6805063-55484698f045854efb2daf3f11daae3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002728&Signature=OuqJiX3W64fxXSnFK02W7P1I~ayJTQ2ZxBeptn3E-EmXg7p7bnJqpHajejZfsMcKobZrZBEQuGvwF0f9yIcVMs83iBbiHaaxItjXV8BXqlyMA6X7B7TgtLunlvhFlQ4yfhYl3DpeDTRv76QDFcn5P5GGsyO7Bo1EN2CFr7ntSjIjMPlGwGRxa1~bqyyMw6O0IPiaoHFBwQJym5Zp7aCGOKe1Us6bKi~P~PGLFosw0YAU8TyVBL2wE2011bnnaDjSuWUiEGLD1q3~HY2zcFyI0xdNsErzxdgbIpi0V5NuMTfSD7~bEVqBb3SStbGSoNzK5u4pRk-XX5trepNVWlG0Zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland's State Department of Education on Tuesday presented 2025 MCAP results showing modest but consistent statewide gains while underscoring persistent gaps for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. The department reported an all-tests combined proficiency increase of 2.4 percentage points from 2024 to 2025, with English language arts averaging about 50.8% proficiency and mathematics at 26.5%.

State Superintendent Dr. Karen Wright introduced the results and framed them as proof the state's focus on fundamentals is paying off, saying MSDE will continue to support districts with implementation and professional learning. \"When we focus on fundamentals, our efforts will pay off,\" Wright said during her remarks.

Mr. Jeff Sanderson, MSDE's chief for accountability, walked the board through grade-level and subgroup breakdowns and called attention to both gains and areas that remain below targets. \"You'll see steady increases at each grade level in many content areas,\" Sanderson said, but he noted that certain grades and student groups continue to struggle and require targeted supports.

MSDE highlighted two technical caveats: (1) subgroup performance remains uneven, with multilingual learners, students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students trailing their peers; and (2) a Technical Advisory Committee identified anomalies in the math assessment that MSDE will investigate. \"The TAC found some anomalies with our math assessment,\" Wright said, adding that MSDE plans to issue an RFP this fall for a new statewide assessment and to engage psychometricians to hold vendors accountable.

Board members pressed for deeper cohort (stacked-grade) analyses and clearer school- and district-level reporting; MSDE said it will provide a September deep dive and launch a live website with school-level results. Several members asked that MSDE align the new assessment to revised standards and examine how algebra sequencing, Algebra I first-time testers, and PSAT/SAT comparisons affect system interpretation.

MSDE said it will continue monthly supervisor collaboratives, recruit state literacy coaches funded by philanthropy, and release guidance and tools to help districts translate the results into classroom support. The department emphasized the need for time, coaching and aligned instructional materials to sustain improvement.

Next steps: MSDE will provide district- and school-level data on a live site, perform cohort analyses at the board's September deep dive, investigate the math anomalies with the TAC, and launch procurement for a new statewide assessment in 2026.","MSDE reported statewide MCAP proficiency rose modestly from 2024 to 2025 (all tests combined +2.4 points). English language arts averaged about 50.8% proficient; math lagged at 26.5%. MSDE cautioned about math anomalies under technical review and pledged cohort and subgroup deep dives.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6805044,"Board adopts strategic outcomes; adds apprenticeships and least-restrictive-environment goals",978,22101744,23079794,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789&start=22101&end=23079","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789/thumbnail_22101744.jpg","/articles/6805044/Maryland/Board-adopts-strategic-outcomes-adds-apprenticeships-and-least-restrictive-environment-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6805044-f4b79b5594255ba8b2f129603864028d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002728&Signature=E2IWY1yl9O-1hk16PZysyZmqoeVWQ2N3qqZlt8rCMKBmrrxUwMCbVuLMSj291SDU571eoI3Z1TbozDNpu1cYp6WIfinPhpNZl4qZWzP0qVI-5hoMcZgItpWrwxExtiA~vB~mz1WuK6MVosd63YAwv~mFyfQOQd12LOzXLiaL-v2ThInYiSTkiUDmu6tenEcUdSpJCCBH7hxWdBOyyqWQQZUmEKcPPn9JZhmA-seAC2ciMVhNg3a8WYSOk3wJaREc0Eeyw3sdW2NNLDuVRIvnTmgqM3zU9-862jxqAVBqA~gPWaUdA6MXgUfg5-Sq5~VQKkFDJAzmb1WyPmmHIGHE-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The State Board of Education approved MSDE's proposed strategic plan outcomes across the five pillars of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, after MSDE explained three substantive updates since last month: an outcome to grow high school participation in registered apprenticeships, a new outcome focused on placements in the Least Restrictive Environment for students with disabilities, and clarified language about student support professional FTEs.

MSDE framed apprenticeships as a statewide workforce-aligned priority that combines classroom instruction with paid, credentialed employment pathways. Alex Rees and Phil Lasser of MSDE said the apprenticeship outcome will be pursued in partnership with Commerce, Labor and other workforce stakeholders.

On special education, the board accepted an outcome to increase the percentage of students with disabilities served in inclusive (LRE A/B) settings while reducing placements in LRE C and separate schools, disaggregated by race/ethnicity, disability category and assessment pathway. MSDE noted Maryland currently places 11.3% of students with disabilities in LRE C and 5.5% in separate schools—higher than national averages for separate placements—and said the outcome aims to address disproportionality.

Board members asked about implementation timelines, baselines and data dashboards; MSDE indicated baseline data and dashboard development are in progress and that some measures will have baseline availability in January 2027.

Next steps: MSDE will build a data dashboard to monitor progress against outcomes, work with partner agencies on apprenticeship metrics, and return to the board with baseline data and cadence for reporting.","The board adopted a set of strategic outcomes aligning the Blueprint's five pillars. Notable additions: increasing high-school participation in registered apprenticeships and an explicit outcome to expand inclusive placements for students with disabilities (reduce separate-school placements).",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6805048,"MSDE rolls out chronic-absenteeism toolkit and monthly dashboard after data links absences to lower proficiency",1385,23915580,25300730,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789&start=23915&end=25300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789/thumbnail_23915580.jpg","/articles/6805048/Maryland/MSDE-rolls-out-chronic-absenteeism-toolkit-and-monthly-dashboard-after-data-links-absences-to-lower-proficiency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6805048-b333fed0680d0e2a0772e7b92ace3924/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002728&Signature=IR-QPxYfastj4xXWgYclOmz1JrwiuTRY8QdL4N5TlFCm6Q1n~R3ydDgBvlyvbEnLY5-dIQxoFRQuKcD9iZ0YgkKO~iypYozMTkJ6nTB-FMfCoV-N7BEs6XwFRVNi07YjcspoPx3sL2C0G62iHqEfc8KL8wYAGweXuNKyz42MEOEybeL1ad3RdrbEr-knB3zYY6Cwz7znMYiYc2-LwBmLEKGxPnTsvRnJ6nC4D9rHDvmEcHxBNi5LiMNbkDJosWMIFY7IWE1ltzD6sOoug9-GjIEqp9AfHAioA4QpVoLc5d4O-4cIe-81YEWzASw5JqK5YG557JgxERpOvZmN7mEpPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maryland's education department presented a data-driven strategy to reduce chronic absenteeism and launched a \"welcome back\" toolkit and a monthly attendance-monitoring pilot designed to identify students at risk earlier in the year.

Researchers showed a strong relationship between attendance and academic performance: elementary students who missed 10 days in the school year were roughly 10 percentage points less likely to be proficient in English language arts and 14 points less likely in mathematics than peers with no absences. The MSDE research team also found that missing four days in September was associated with a 15-point lower likelihood of proficiency by spring, and that more than three absences in September strongly predicted later chronic absenteeism.

MSDE presented a multi-tiered response: universal welcoming and positive messaging, targeted interventions (attendance mentors, check-and-connect, family engagement), and intensive supports (personalized attendance success plans, home visits). The welcome-back toolkit includes communication templates, data-review checklists, and suggested welcoming activities for schools.

To give LEAs real-time operational intelligence, MSDE piloted a monthly collection and dashboard that mirrors end-of-year chronic-absence rules in a more nimble format. MSDE modeled the tool on 2023-24 data and found its monthly predictions closely approximated official year-end rates and identified at-risk cohorts earlier in the year.

MSDE will continue partnerships with Attendance Works and health partners, ask community schools to report attendance strategies, and prepare a December report per statute with recommended regulations and guidance. The department plans to release monthly attendance snapshots to LEAs and integrate dashboard feedback with ongoing toolkit supports.

Next steps: MSDE will operationalize monthly reporting, share toolkit materials with LEAs, continue attendance-focused professional learning, and present regulatory recommendations by December.","MSDE unveiled a \"welcome back\" toolkit and a proof-of-concept monthly attendance dashboard after research showed early absences (4 days in September) strongly predict yearlong chronic absence and reduced MCAP proficiency (up to ~14 points in math). The state will collect monthly attendance snapshots to help LEAs intervene quickly.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6805053,"Board adopts two small edits to social studies frameworks after public concern about Middle East wording",22159,1751940,23911600,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789&start=1751&end=23911","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5681506-146e5fcc1ab053d0861f681f0afbb789/thumbnail_1751940.jpg","/articles/6805053/Maryland/Board-adopts-two-small-edits-to-social-studies-frameworks-after-public-concern-about-Middle-East-wording","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6805053-02557f378a8fda0598a8ae7e45e6aa04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771002728&Signature=WqGdXeaDdvedEZUdUVS8NWlHSJC2gmPmt5c2YEg7jjfuZi-ZiBK37u4QS-dRr2XgQvRovPYzh8ZWwPosoBPtme97pxfiBA~brqvmSbSSJCmKlIxtDlaoOxsQVUPkKbXPFXyVLXbaHi6~LwPLQdGNF1Qt0MdlNDVYjiq37MPa337-wPhV8pMh96k4HfnqT8K8JJ~O~x~TdQNIocoMTcLzXAUQHy08wXxa4T5X7abRZ~Erm1smZN8-4EgNJnLAaREEjzZrrml9930ttjwggpCAVC7SaWOb6R2ynV7SPOzIiQALiFGHXM6etU2f463iovtbSw2dNgzl9udNkUJftwYyew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The State Board of Education amended two limited parts of the sixth- and seventh-grade social studies frameworks and adopted the changes by unanimous vote.

MSDE staff said the edits respond to public comment that prior wording in a Middle East unit had the unintended effect of excluding references to Palestinians. Department presenters (Dr. Brown and Mr. Ramsey) proposed revising the timeframe in the unit from 1940'to 1994 CE to 1900'present so students can study twentieth- and twenty-first-century events. A second edit converts a generalized objective into one that includes illustrative examples of local conflicts in the Middle East; MSDE emphasized that examples are illustrative, not an exhaustive or mandatory list, and that LEAs retain instructional flexibility.

Public speakers earlier in the meeting had urged restoration of references to Palestinians in standards. Christina Duncan Evans, a Baltimore City social studies teacher and library media specialist, told the board that removal of the word \"Palestine\" limited students' access to current and historical information and asked the department to reopen the work group; MSDE says the new edits reflect that concern.

MSDE framed the changes as aligning sixth- and seventh-grade language for coherence and clarifying intent for teachers. The board then moved, seconded and approved the two small revisions to the frameworks.

Next steps: MSDE will publish the updated framework language and communicate clarifications and illustrative examples to LEAs and teacher professional-learning channels.","The board approved two targeted edits to the grade 6-7 Middle East unit: broaden the timeframe to 1900-present and replace a generalized objective with illustrative examples of regional conflicts. The changes aim to restore inclusivity after public comment that earlier wording erased Palestinian references.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State board urges districts to adopt clearer, equitable cell-phone policies after Phones & Focus findings

Maryland reports modest MCAP gains; math lags and subgroup gaps persist

Board adopts strategic outcomes; adds apprenticeships and least-restrictive-environment goals

MSDE rolls out chronic-absenteeism toolkit and monthly dashboard after data links absences to lower proficiency

Board adopts two small edits to social studies frameworks after public concern about Middle East wording