Maryland READS

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

03/20/2026

Every child deserves to learn how to read.

Yet today, 67% of Maryland’s 4th and 8th graders cannot read proficiently.
This National Reading Month, Maryland READS launched a new campaign to highlight a solution that works: teacher literacy coaching.

Watch our new video and learn how Maryland can help every child become a confident reader.

Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/1175543171?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

03/20/2026

Join us in Baltimore City for National Reading Month. Read Strong is hosting a community event where local leadership will share updates on literacy initiatives and gather input from residents on how to strengthen reading education in Baltimore City.

Friday March 27 2026
Enoch Pratt Free Library – Hampden Branch
11am - 1pm

Registration is required to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1WtXhgREUNMz7Y7UP6NqwNaRjxwGfAaQTDEi8Ii8rxOk/viewform

03/18/2026

Maryland ranked among the highest in the nation for childhood literacy. Now, 2 out of 3 of our fourth graders struggle to read at grade level. Thankfully, a proven solution exists to help students succeed and restore Maryland’s history of educational excellence: a statewide teacher literacy coaching program.

With proper funding, our state can provide the real-time, ongoing support teachers need in their classrooms to ensure every child masters the foundational reading skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

Learn more: https://marylandreads.org/making-the-case/

03/16/2026

Today's lunch meeting in Rockville is proceeding as scheduled!!

While a weather advisory has been issued for Montgomery County, conditions are not anticipated until after 3:00 PM — well after our gathering concludes. We see no reason to interrupt what has become a meaningful forum for shared learning and civic dialogue.

We invite you to join us. These conversations are at the heart of what we do together as a community.

03/10/2026

Register for our upcoming March 16th Montgomery County READ Strong Network meeting. Join our efforts to address the reading crisis and learn how you can help create a thriving reading ecosystem!

Did you know that in Montgomery County
5,081 4th graders and
5,147 8th graders and
4,358 10th graders..cannot read proficiently?

This is a fixable problem - join us to learn how you can get involved!

Register now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_CbBawlwGrTbnp6KRtRswjFamGDFVI3ULWUgGbiWnAGIDyQ/viewform?pli=1