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MCPS reports small gains in math, stable literacy but large gaps remain
Summary
MCPS staff told the County CouncilEducation and Culture Committee that districtwide math proficiency rose to 33.4% in 2024 and selected grades showed gains while literacy remained mostly stable; officials highlighted wide disparities by race and student service status and promised follow-up, disaggregated data.
MCPSofficials presented three-year trends showing modest systemwide improvement in mathematics and generally stable literacy outcomes, while acknowledging persistent equity gaps.
"Our literacy ratesare relatively stable across most levels," Dr. Keshia Addison, Director of Shared Accountability for Montgomery County Public Schools, said during the July 17 briefing. She reported the districtmath-all proficiency increased from 30.2% in 2022 to 33.4% in 2024 and cited grade-level gains: "Math 4 improved from 37.6% to 43.1%" and "Algebra I proficiency increased from 20.4% in 2022 to 25.1% in 2024."
Councilmembers asked for context and comparisons to other Maryland districts; Dr. Addison said MCPS has historically outperformed the state average but is currently in a "lower mid" range for mathematics and noted the highest Maryland district proficiency was about 41% while MCPS was at 33.4% in 2024. The presentation linked some declines—particularly in 3rd grade—to pandemic-era disruptions that affected foundational early-learning years.
The briefing included disaggregated figures. Dr. Addison cited large gaps in mathematics proficiency by student group in 2024: Asian, multiracial and white students showing proficiency at or above roughly 50%, while Black/African American students were at 20.5% and Hispanic/Latino students at 13.7%. She also flagged low rates for multilingual learners (8.8%), students receiving free or reduced-price meals (13.5%), and students with disabilities (12.8%).
Councilmembers pressed for further breakdowns—gender-by-race cross-tabs, geographic visualizations and longitudinal comparisons—so the committee can assess which interventions are working for which populations. Dr. Addison agreed to provide additional disaggregation and to return with updated state data when it is released.
