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