The Maryland State Board of Education has approved a literacy policy that allows for the retention of third-grade students who are not meeting reading standards, with parental consent. The policy also includes an option for parents to enroll their children in a supplemental reading support program to allow them to advance to fourth grade. The plan is aimed at improving Maryland’s low fourth-grade reading scores. The policy will be phased in, with the retention portion not being implemented until the 2027-28 school year.
The vote followed months of debate and public engagement, with over 2,000 comments received on the policy. The final vote was 11-1, with one member voting against it due to concerns about community engagement. Changes were made to the plan, including the addition of the parental consent element and provisions for reading intervention for prekindergarten students and professional development for educators.
The goal of the policy is to improve Maryland’s fourth-grade reading scores, which currently rank 40th in the nation. The state aims to be in the top 10 by 2027. The policy is also inspired by the successful literacy program implemented in Mississippi, where Maryland’s State Superintendent previously served.
The approved plan includes provisions for technical assistance to implement academic and social-emotional outcomes, assisting local school districts in implementing the policy, and a review of local policies by the state board by summer 2026. The focus is on improving literacy outcomes for all students in Maryland and ensuring that students are meeting reading standards.
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