Statewide Progress Amid Challenges
The Maryland State Department of Education unveiled its 2024 Maryland School Report Card, revealing statewide improvements in school performance. Rated on a five-star scale considering factors like academic achievement, progress, and graduation rates, the report assessed 1,300 public schools across Maryland. This year, 91 schools earned the highest five-star rating, an increase from 85 in 2023. Additionally, four-star schools rose from 409 last year to 446.
Maryland State Department of Education Superintendent of Maryland School, Dr. Carey Wright, expressed optimism while acknowledging ongoing challenges. “I feel good that we are showing improvement, but we still have a ways to go,” she remarked. The progress reflects slight gains in the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP), where 24.1% of students tested proficient in Math and 48.4% in English. However, these figures remain below pre-pandemic levels, with chronic absenteeism continuing to impact results statewide.
Regional Trends in Ratings
Baltimore County stood out with the highest number of five-star schools, totaling 20, up by one from last year. Baltimore County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Myriam Rogers, credited the district’s progress to targeted resources and comprehensive support. Anne Arundel and Harford Counties also posted gains, with Anne Arundel schools earning 11 five-star ratings, up from nine in 2023, and Harford County increasing its count to seven from four last year.
Conversely, Baltimore City and Carroll County saw declines. Baltimore Polytechnic Institute was the sole Baltimore City School to achieve a five-star rating, while no Carroll County schools reached this benchmark. Despite this, 65% of Carroll County schools earned four stars. Disparities in proficiency levels further underline these mixed outcomes. For instance, only 10.2% of Baltimore City students were proficient in Math, yet 63 schools received three stars or higher.
Maryland School Report Future Adjustments to Accountability Systems
The Maryland School report also sparked discussions about potential changes to rating system. During a state board meeting, a task force proposed recommendations to better align ratings with actual student performance. Dr. Wright highlighted a disconnect between star ratings and academic proficiency, particularly in regions like Baltimore City and County, where student achievement levels remain low despite favorable ratings.
“I’m feeling very positive about this,” Wright stated, emphasizing the need for a system that more accurately reflects academic success. The hope is that revamped accountability and assessment methods will drive meaningful improvements in the future. While the state celebrates progress, the focus remains on addressing gaps and ensuring all students benefit from an equitable and effective education system.
