MABE Government Relations Director John Woolums has shared that MABE, in tandem with the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), has provided correspondence in response to the Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE’s) recent request for public comment on its proposed Literacy Policy.
The proposed Literacy Policy includes a strict grade retention mandate for third-graders not achieving reading proficiency, Woolums notes, as well as newly mandated reading screenings and intervention plans.
While MABE’s 24 local boards of education and the associations of the State’s 24 local superintendents/CEOs (PSSAM) agree the draft Literacy Policy presents numerous positive steps toward enhancing literacy; emphasizing evidence-based instruction; data-based decision-making; and job-embedded coaching for K-3 reading teachers, both organizations nonetheless agree revisions are needed to address concerns related to retention of students; funding; staffing; and any needed statutory changes necessary for the proposed policy’s feasibility and effectiveness.
Specifically, Woolums emphasizes, MABE and PSSAM are urging MSDE to consider recommendations to:
- remove the mandated retention of third-grade students and provide additional resources and support for early intervention strategies;
- determine and provide an appropriate, timely dyslexia screener and funding for the purchase and training to ensure a high-quality assessment and standardized process is used;
- provide a list of vetted and approved intensified intervention products and practices in conjunction with MSDE-led and financially supported training on the implementation of the product; and
- provide clear details on the funding sources to support the initiatives, especially for training, staffing, and purchasing required screeners and materials.
We encourage you to read further details in the July 19, 2024 MABE-PSSAM correspondence, and eagerly await learning of additional public perspectives and MSDE’s recommended next steps.