Maryland Organization Embarking on Statewide Tour to Discuss Blueprint Education Reform Plan

A non-profit organization advocating for educational equity in Maryland may soon be coming to a jurisdiction near you to discuss the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform initiative.

The team at Strong Schools Maryland has recently traveled to four counties – Dorchester, Anne Arundel, Garrett, and Prince George’s – engaging residents in local events to address the Blueprint plan. The 2024 Tour for Maryland’s Future is scheduled to visit Caroline County on Wednesday, Wicomico County on Thursday, and Carroll County on Saturday.

Additionally, upcoming stops are planned for Baltimore County on July 17, Kent County on July 18, and Baltimore City on July 23.

Riya Gupta, a policy researcher at Strong Schools Maryland, expressed the organization’s aim to reach all 24 counties in the state throughout the summer.

An important observation has been the lack of public awareness about the Blueprint initiative.

“We’re reaching out to individuals in their communities,” Gupta explained. “By collaborating with local organizations hosting events, we aim to create awareness, share resources, and inform people about our mission.”

Strong Schools Maryland played a pivotal role in the passage of the Blueprint legislation three years ago.

One key component of the Blueprint that Strong Schools endorses focuses on community schools, which benefit from poverty grants and collaborate with local entities to support educators, parents, and families. These schools offer services such as tutoring, language courses, and food assistance.

A recent state law establishes the duties of a community school coordinator, including assessing students’ needs, devising implementation strategies, and overseeing programs that address learning challenges outside of school.

Gupta mentioned concerns raised about community school coordinators being burdened with teaching and administrative tasks.

“They are being diverted from their primary role of managing the community school,” she remarked.

Upon concluding the summer tour, Strong Schools Maryland intends to compile a report for state legislators, the Maryland State Board of Education, the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board, and other relevant stakeholders.

In response to criticism of the Blueprint’s substantial annual investment into education over the next decade, Gupta emphasized the significance of prioritizing students’ needs.

“Our students deserve this investment. We have historically underserved our minority students, those with disabilities, and multilingual learners. They are the future leaders of our state and nation. The best way to empower them is by investing in their education.”