SMCPS presents pre‑K–12 math plan aligned to Maryland policy; district among 10 statewide with no revisions required

On March 4, Anna Fiore and Bridget Dunbar presented Saint Mary’s County Public Schools’ comprehensive pre‑K–12 math plan and described how the plan aligns with the Maryland State Department of Education’s revised math policy. The presenters said the district’s pre‑K–5 plan was submitted in September 2024 and the full pre‑K–12 plan in September 2025; state feedback arrived in December and staff reported SMCPS was one of 10 districts statewide that did not require revisions.

Key elements in the plan include a multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) for mathematics, adoption of high‑quality instructional materials (Bridges 3rd edition at elementary; Amplify/Desmos for secondary math), increased instructional minutes in Grade 8, expansion of tier‑2 and tier‑3 interventions, a district math‑attitude survey and family resources tied to pacing and assessments. Staff said MTSS pre‑K–8 protocols will be piloted and fully implemented by the 2027 school year, integrated algebra pathways will launch in later years per the state timeline, and families will receive twice‑annual notices if students fall below grade‑level expectations.

Trustees asked about embedded vocabulary supports and how teachers will identify struggling students; presenters said curriculum materials include language supports, blackline masters, sentence starters and explicit scaffolds for multilingual learners and that data from embedded assessments will be used for reteaching and intervention decisions.

Quote: “This isn’t a document that sits on a shelf — it’s a working road map,” said Bridget Dunbar, describing the plan’s alignment to state guidance and district implementation steps.

What’s next: staff will publish the comprehensive math plan publicly and continue professional learning and piloting of MTSS components.