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Advocates say MCPS must acknowledge poor outcomes and publish a system‑level plan to shore up reading and math
Summary
The Black & Brown Coalition and MCCPTA urged the Education & Culture Committee to acknowledge that many students are off grade level, demand transparent data and a system‑wide plan (including an early‑alert system) to target reading and math proficiency.
Representatives of the Black & Brown Coalition and the Montgomery County Council of PTAs pressed the council on Oct. 31 for greater transparency and a concrete, system‑wide plan to accelerate reading and math gains.
Diego, speaking for the Black & Brown Coalition, said many parents — particularly Black and Brown families — don’t see the data or understand the district’s true performance. “If we’re not transparent about the states of MCPS ... we cannot move forward,” he said, urging the superintendent to present a clear vision with measurable sacrifices and timelines.
Byron Johns summarized the case: roughly half of students are not reading at grade level and even larger shares lag in math, he said, and that reality requires organizing existing resources into clear, accountable plans rather than simply adding funding with no delivery plan.
Bridget Howe of MCCPTA urged plain‑language communications and repeated, public reporting so families can see progress. Coalition members described work with MCPS on an early‑alert system that identifies students who are below or well below grade level and commits to conveying interventions and timelines to parents in culturally competent ways.
Committee members pressed for specifics on how to reallocate staffing and how to ensure implementation — noting that personnel make up roughly 90% of MCPS spending — and suggested partnering with community organizations where appropriate. The committee said it would continue oversight in follow‑up hearings and budget discussions.
No formal action was taken; the statements were entered for the committee’s record.
