MSDE parent rep urges belief‑based math approach, outlines literacy policy and parent role

Nick Greer, the parent representative on the Maryland State Board of Education, spoke to the Parent and Community Advisory Council April 2 about parent‑school relationships, literacy policy changes and mathematics instruction.

Greer said the mathematics work the state is considering emphasizes both instruction and mindset. Citing national examples and a speaker from Zearn, he said adults’ belief in students matters in how students approach math: “Belief is a pedagogy,” Greer said, describing the need for teachers and caregivers to communicate confidence in students’ ability to learn math.

On literacy, Greer summarized a new state approach that adds parent partnership to third‑grade reading decisions. The policy he described will require schools to use multiple measures and to involve parents in any retention decision; Greer said schools should provide parents with the risks and benefits and that the decision should be made in partnership with families rather than by a unilateral automatic retention rule. He said the policy’s phased implementation will not be immediate and encouraged PCAC members to watch implementation guidance closely.

Greer also asked PCAC members about parents’ sense of belonging in classrooms and invited practical feedback on how schools and families can better partner. Council members described varied experiences: some said they are welcomed in classrooms and can volunteer; others said they struggle to get actionable guidance on how to support math and reading at home and cited difficulty interpreting assessment information.

Greer said the state is developing family‑facing tools and implementation guidance and invited PCAC members to continue the conversation with MSDE representatives.