Education

Maryland’s higher education landscape is experiencing significant growth and recognition, with institutions making remarkable strides in academic excellence and innovation. 

Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) has achieved a remarkable leap in national rankings, jumping 45 spots to tie at #18 on the U.S. News Best Colleges ranking for top performers in social mobility. This achievement positions NDMU as the top-ranked school in Maryland, highlighting the institution’s commitment to accessible and impactful education. 

The University of Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering demonstrates another dimension of educational excellence. In 2024, the school expanded its research portfolio to address society’s grand challenges, from developing drones that increase access to medicine to creating electric power infrastructure for the future. 

The Clark School’s approach goes beyond traditional academic boundaries. Under the leadership of Dean Samuel Graham, Jr., the institution has focused on translating research into practical solutions. This includes creating businesses based on Clark School research, such as Ion Storage Systems and InventWood, and developing healthcare solutions in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 

A particularly inspiring initiative is the school’s commitment to community engagement. The Clark School has launched a partnership with The Village at Mondawmin in Baltimore, establishing a makerspace to inspire and engage kids in the community through engineering and innovation. 

The university’s undergraduate programs are equally impressive. In May 2024, more than 500 undergraduates showcased prototypes addressing challenges in infrastructure, mobility, healthcare, and other critical areas at the Capstone Design Expo. This demonstrates the institution’s focus on experiential learning and practical problem-solving. 

These achievements reflect Maryland’s broader commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and social mobility. From addressing chronic absenteeism to developing cutting-edge research and providing transformative learning experiences, Maryland’s educational institutions are proving to be dynamic engines of progress and opportunity. 

A groundbreaking initiative is reshaping mathematics education in Maryland, offering a beacon of hope for students struggling with math skills. The Maryland Tutoring Corps, a $28 million grant program, is bringing nearly 1,000 college and graduate students into middle school classrooms to provide high-dosage math tutoring. 

Launched in October 2023, the program responds to alarming national trends. The Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) revealed a stark reality: approximately 75% of U.S. eighth graders are not proficient in mathematics. Maryland’s proactive approach aims to reverse this troubling trend through targeted, intensive support. 

The program partners with multiple universities, including Morgan State, Johns Hopkins, Towson, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Salisbury University. These institutions are deploying students to schools in Wicomico, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County, creating a unique educational support system. 

Matt Barrow, Baltimore City Schools’ director of differentiated learning, highlights the program’s immediate impact. “When you have 35 to 40 kids in a class and many need extra help, you as a teacher can’t get to everybody every day,” Barrow explains. The tutoring program fills this critical gap, bringing joy and support to middle school mathematics education. 

The program adheres to research-backed best practices, ensuring small groups of no more than three students meet during the school day. This approach maximizes attendance and minimizes disruption to students’ lives. Tutors are paid, and the program prioritizes high-need student populations. 

High-dosage tutoring, defined as at least two 45-minute sessions per week, has shown promising results. Beyond improving math skills, the initiative aims to help students develop a positive attitude toward mathematics, feel more connected to school, and build an academic foundation for future STEM careers. 

Shradha Gawad, a master’s student at UMBC, exemplifies the program’s spirit. While tutoring at Dickey Hill Elementary and Middle School, she approaches mathematics with creativity and passion, introducing complex concepts like scientific notation through engaging, real-world examples. 

The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to address learning loss and educational challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Education has extended federal pandemic relief fund spending deadlines, enabling districts to invest in similar support models. 

The landscape of education in Maryland is facing a critical challenge: chronic student absenteeism. A groundbreaking bill proposed in January 2025 aims to address this pressing issue in Baltimore City schools, shedding light on a problem that has been growing since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to a January 2024 report from the Maryland Department of Education, attendance rates have dropped approximately 3% since 2016, with chronic absenteeism increasing by more than 10%. The statistics are particularly alarming for Baltimore City, which reported the highest chronic absenteeism rate in the state at 54% for the 2023 school year, in stark contrast to Howard County’s 18%. 

The proposed “Study and Report – Absences in Baltimore City Schools” bill represents a comprehensive approach to understanding and combating this educational crisis. The legislation would require the city’s public school system to conduct an in-depth analysis of attendance data from the 2023-24 school year. The report will explore various factors contributing to absenteeism, including students’ economic backgrounds, transportation availability, and parental involvement. 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has already taken proactive steps to address the issue through the “Mayor’s Attendance Challenge.” This initiative encourages students to maintain consistent attendance by creating a friendly competition between schools. Mayor Scott emphasizes the critical nature of attendance, noting that it is “one of the most significant markers of a student’s achievement, connection in school, and success in future grades.” 

The bill mandates collaboration between the school district and city agencies to develop targeted recommendations. This holistic approach recognizes that solving chronic absenteeism requires more than just tracking numbers – it demands a nuanced understanding of the barriers students face. 

In September 2024, the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) provided a glimmer of hope, showing that Baltimore County had made the greatest strides in reducing chronic absenteeism. This progress suggests that targeted interventions can make a meaningful difference in student attendance and educational outcomes. 

As the bill moves forward for review by the Education, Youth, and Older Adults Committee, it represents a critical step in addressing one of the most significant challenges facing Maryland’s education system. 

Massachusetts continues to be a leader in educational innovation, with numerous programs aimed at advancing equity, supporting diverse learners, and preparing students for future challenges. In 2024, the state has launched several groundbreaking initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive, inclusive education. 

One standout program is the Biomedical Science Careers Program (BSCP), led by Dr. Joan Reede. This initiative focuses on supporting diverse students in finding their path to scientific careers, providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore STEM fields. 

The state has also made significant strides in supporting multilingual education. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has introduced new guidance and resources for students with limited or interrupted formal education, ensuring that language barriers do not impede academic success. 

Technology and digital literacy are receiving increased attention. The state has launched computer science education grants and is developing innovative programs like OpenSciEd, which integrates computer science and engineering into middle school curricula. These efforts aim to prepare students for an increasingly digital and technological world. 

Mental health and social-emotional learning remain a priority. The state has introduced competitive grants for social-emotional and behavioral health support, recognizing the critical importance of student well-being in academic success. 

These initiatives reflect Massachusetts’ holistic approach to education – one that sees learning as more than just academic achievement, but as a comprehensive journey of personal and professional development. 

A pivotal moment in Massachusetts education arrived with Ballot Question 2, which challenged the long-standing MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) graduation requirement. The passage of this ballot measure marks a significant shift in how the state approaches student assessment and graduation standards. 

Historically, students were required to pass the 10th-grade MCAS exam to graduate high school. The recent ballot question sought to end this mandate, sparking intense debate about educational assessment, equity, and student success. Supporters argued that the MCAS requirement disproportionately impacted students from disadvantaged backgrounds, creating unnecessary barriers to graduation. 

The decision raises critical questions about alternative methods of assessing student readiness and achievement. Education experts, policymakers, and community leaders are now engaged in crucial conversations about maintaining academic standards while ensuring that assessment methods are fair, comprehensive, and truly reflective of student potential. 

This change reflects a broader national conversation about standardized testing and its role in education. Massachusetts, known for its strong educational system, is at the forefront of reimagining assessment methods that can more holistically evaluate student learning and potential. 

The implications are far-reaching. Schools will need to develop new frameworks for determining student readiness for graduation, potentially incorporating more diverse measures of academic achievement, including project-based assessments, portfolios, and comprehensive evaluations that look beyond a single standardized test. 

The landscape of education in Massachusetts is undergoing a significant transformation, with early college programs emerging as a beacon of opportunity for high school students. In 2024, the state has made substantial strides in expanding access to college credits for young learners, creating pathways that bridge secondary and higher education. 

Massachusetts has approved new funding to broaden early college programs, allowing more high school students to get a head start on their higher education journey. These initiatives are designed to provide students with unique opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school, potentially reducing the overall cost of higher education and giving students a competitive edge in their academic pursuits. 

The expansion is part of a broader strategy to address educational equity and prepare students for future challenges. Early college programs have shown promising results, offering students from diverse backgrounds the chance to experience college-level coursework, gain confidence, and develop critical academic skills. Particularly noteworthy is the focus on creating these opportunities in communities that have been traditionally underserved. 

Key highlights include the establishment of new early college programs across the state, with a particular emphasis on supporting students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has been actively working to support these initiatives, providing resources, professional development, and strategic guidance to school districts. 

The impact extends beyond just academic credits. These programs are designed to provide holistic support, including mentorship, career exploration, and personal development. By integrating high school and college experiences, Massachusetts is reimagining education as a more fluid, interconnected journey. 

Introduction 

New York is confronting a critical educational challenge: widespread reading deficiencies across major urban centers. Recent data reveals alarming statistics about student reading levels, prompting state leadership to take decisive action. 

The Education Trust New York has highlighted stark reading performance challenges: 

• Rochester: 89% of students not reading at grade level 

• Syracuse: 87% of students below grade-level reading 

• Buffalo: 76% of students not meeting reading expectations 

Governor Kathy Hochul has responded with her “Back to Basics” reading plan, aimed at advancing public schools’ adoption of the “science of reading” method. This comprehensive approach represents a significant investment in foundational literacy skills. 

The science of reading is a research-backed approach that emphasizes systematic, explicit instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies. By implementing this method, New York hopes to address the root causes of reading difficulties and provide students with robust literacy foundations. 

Key components of the initiative include: 

• Targeted professional development for educators 

• Curriculum redesign focusing on evidence-based reading instruction 

• Assessment and intervention strategies 

• Support for schools in implementing comprehensive literacy programs 

This approach recognizes that reading proficiency is not just an academic metric but a critical life skill that impacts future educational and professional opportunities. 

Conclusion 

New York’s commitment to addressing reading challenges demonstrates a proactive, research-driven approach to educational improvement. By investing in foundational literacy skills, the state is laying the groundwork for long-term student success and social mobility. 

Introduction 

New York is taking innovative steps to address workforce needs and educational accessibility through Governor Kathy Hochul’s groundbreaking proposal for free community college tuition. This initiative targets a specific demographic, offering hope for career transformation and economic mobility. 

The proposed program is uniquely structured, extending free community college tuition to students aged 25 to 55. This approach recognizes the changing landscape of workforce development and the critical need for continuous learning and skill adaptation in today’s dynamic job market. 

Key highlights of the proposal include: 

• Tuition coverage for students between 25 and 55 years old 

• Strategic alignment with current job market demands 

• Potential to address skills gaps in critical industry sectors 

• Support for mid-career professionals seeking retraining 

By focusing on this age group, the initiative acknowledges that learning is a lifelong journey. Many professionals find themselves needing to acquire new skills or completely change career paths due to technological advancements, economic shifts, and industry transformations. 

The proposal also reflects New York’s commitment to addressing workforce challenges proactively. By reducing financial barriers to education, the state can help individuals enhance their employability, support local industries, and contribute to overall economic resilience. 

Conclusion 

Governor Hochul’s free community college initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development. It signals New York’s commitment to providing accessible, meaningful educational opportunities that can transform individual lives and strengthen the state’s economic ecosystem. 

Introduction 

In an era of constant digital distraction, New York is taking a bold step to reclaim the sanctity of classroom learning. Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed comprehensive legislation to limit student cellphone use, signaling a significant shift in educational policy aimed at improving student engagement and academic performance. 

The proposed cellphone restrictions represent a nuanced approach to addressing the growing concerns about technology’s impact on student concentration and learning outcomes. By potentially mandating reduced cellphone access during school hours, New York aims to create a more focused educational environment that prioritizes direct interaction, critical thinking, and classroom participation. 

Key aspects of the proposed legislation include: 

• Strict guidelines for cellphone use during school hours 

• Potential zones or times where devices are completely prohibited 

• Support for schools in implementing technology management strategies 

• Recognition of the need to balance digital literacy with focused learning 

Education experts have long argued that constant smartphone access disrupts learning processes, reduces student-teacher interaction, and creates additional challenges for classroom management. Governor Hochul’s proposal reflects a growing national conversation about managing technology’s role in educational settings. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational quality and student outcomes. By minimizing digital distractions, schools can potentially improve student attention spans, encourage more meaningful classroom interactions, and create environments more conducive to learning. 

Conclusion 

As New York moves forward with these proposed cellphone restrictions, the education community watches closely. The success of this initiative could potentially set a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges in the digital age. 

The landscape of education in New Jersey is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in the realm of school choice. As national debates about private school funding and educational options intensify, New Jersey finds itself at a unique crossroads of educational policy and innovation. 

While many Republican-dominated states have been aggressive in expanding school choice programs, New Jersey represents a more nuanced approach. The state is showing pockets of interest in alternative educational models, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for diverse educational options. 

The national conversation about school choice has been particularly heated. As of January 2025, 28 states and the District of Columbia have programs that provide public funds for educational options outside traditional public schools. Twelve of these states are moving toward making all K-12 students eligible for various school choice mechanisms, including vouchers, education savings accounts, and tax-credit scholarships. 

New Jersey’s approach differs from more aggressive school choice states. While not fully embracing universal school choice, the state is exploring more measured approaches to providing educational alternatives. This reflects the complex political and educational landscape of a traditionally blue state with strong public school traditions. 

The potential for expanded school choice has implications for funding, student learning, and the overall public school system. Advocates argue that these programs provide much-needed flexibility for families, while critics worry about potential negative impacts on public school resources and equity. 

Nationally, the momentum for school choice has received a boost from political developments. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to push for nationwide expansion of school choice programs, promising that his education secretary will work to “expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America.” 

However, the path is not without obstacles. In recent votes, states like Nebraska and Colorado have pushed back against school choice initiatives, with voters rejecting proposed constitutional amendments and existing programs. Legal challenges in multiple states continue to test the boundaries of school choice policies. 

For New Jersey, the challenge lies in balancing innovation with the preservation of strong public education systems. The state must carefully navigate the complex terrain of educational policy, considering the needs of students, families, and educators in an increasingly dynamic educational environment. 

As the debate continues, New Jersey remains committed to exploring educational approaches that can provide the best opportunities for students while maintaining the integrity of its public education system.