Maryland READS

08/04/2026

New MCAP scores are in — and Maryland is flipping the script.

Last year, only 7 school districts improved in 4th-grade reading proficiency. This year, 16 districts held steady or increased. That's real, measurable momentum — but momentum is not victory.

Too many Maryland students still cannot read at grade level. Incremental progress cannot become an excuse to slow down.

Maryland READS Executive Director Trish Brennan-Gac stated, "We know we are gaining ground, but we are nowhere near ending Maryland's reading crisis. If we want today's gains to become tomorrow's proficiency, we need to keep making investments — in coaching, in teacher preparation, and in every classroom."

The direction is right. The urgency has to stay right there with it.

📖 Read the full statement: https://marylandreads.org/2026/07/new-mcap-scores-reflect-a-system-in-transition-not-a-system-that-has-finished-changing/

06/18/2026

You're invited! Not just to an event, but to a bold journey.

📚 On July 17th, Prince George's County is launching a living literacy ecosystem with one North Star: every child in Prince George's County reading at or above grade level.

Join us on the ground floor and register now →

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeAvR85tt2sQAX5rm_12lp31o1TeUbg_-Il9ewv0etaeu2Pww/viewform

06/13/2026

Your vote is one of the most powerful tools for tackling Maryland's reading crisis — but only if you know where candidates stand. Maryland READS built the 2026 Primary Elections Candidate Tracker to help.

Because lasting change requires voters who know where candidates stand and are ready to hold them accountable.

Download the Canidate Tracker:
https://marylandreads.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CandidateTracker_June-2026.pdf

06/12/2026

Every child in Prince George's County deserves the chance to become a strong reader — and you can help make it happen! 📚 Join us as a sponsor of the Prince George's Community Literacy Summit on July 17, 2026.

Express your interest here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSew5hwgdL1tkDjsQ7MWWVUQvdmeU1GMCmkpZvqerNEnMv6tjA/viewform

04/21/2026

Congratulations to Baltimore City Schools! We look forward to working with the new team!

The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners appoints Dr. Jermaine Dawson as the new CEO of City Schools. Read more here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2829981

There will be a series of opportunities for the community to meet Dr. Dawson. For the latest updates on these meetings and other news, please follow us on social or visit our website at www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/ceo-search

04/20/2026

Maryland READS is grateful to the Legislature for appropriating funds for the statewide literacy coaching program and to MSDE for acting with urgency to put these funds to work. This is the statewide leadership we need to achieve the improvements in reading proficiency that students—and our state—deserve.

News Release: State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright has announced a major hiring campaign for more than 60 teacher-coaches to support local school systems statewide. The recruitment effort follows approval of more than $14.2 million in state funds for instructional coaching in Maryland public schools.

Read the full news release [website]: https://bit.ly/4cnkQF6

04/16/2026

Did you know only 28.9% of 3rd–5th graders in St. Mary's County Title I schools are reading at grade level?

That's why READ Strong St. Mary's exists — a community-driven initiative bringing together after-school literacy support, family engagement, and local partnerships to help our kids thrive. We want YOU involved.

Join us on April 23rd at Lexington Park United Methodist Church for a casual info night — refreshments included! 6:00–7:30 PM

Let's build stronger readers, together. Share this with someone who should be in the room!

04/01/2026

Are community school investments moving the needle on reading in Maryland?

Our latest report says: progress is happening—but it’s not enough.We break down what’s working, what’s not, and why a statewide teacher literacy coaching program could be the missing link. Join us to learn more. 👇

RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Pvv3DO0BQsOrpbSE6BITmg #/registration

03/24/2026

Maryland READS’ new report examines whether Maryland’s investment in community schools is translating into stronger reading outcomes for students. See where progress is happening, where challenges remain, and why a statewide teacher literacy coaching program is the missing link that can help every community school drive meaningful gains in reading proficiency year after year.

Because getting kids through the door is just the start. Real success means every student reading proficiently year after year.

Read the full report:https://marylandreads.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MDREADS_CommunitySchoolsReport.pdf

03/24/2026

Only 2 days left to register!

Celebrate National Reading Month with us over lunch in Baltimore City! The READ Strong Network is bringing together local leadership and community members to share updates on literacy initiatives — and we want YOUR voice in shaping the future of reading education in Baltimore City.

Enoch Pratt Free Library – Hampden Branch
Friday, March 27 2026, 11AM – 1PM

Don’t wait, register today!!
[Register here]: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5i-U5NzFk_zI6gKQkOqggUA77iKPunB0-uhgwxF06pk7raw/viewform