Updates Likely Coming to How Maryland Measures “College and Career Readiness”

Maryland might change how the state measures "college readiness" after analysis suggests we might improperly assess a large portion of high school students. Career and college readiness is a central pillar of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future ("The Blueprint"), which declares it is the goal of the State that students enrolled in public school shall meet the CCR standard before the end of the 10th grade and no later than the time the student graduates…

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Community College Enrollment Is Up Nationwide, Maryland Numbers Are Encouraging

New data shows that community college enrollment is up nationwide for the first time in a decade and by 8 percent in Maryland. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, community college enrollment nationwide rose for the first time in over a decade this spring. The Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC) says this is true for Maryland, with signs of modest increases compared to recent semesters. Community college enrollment across the country rose…

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MD State Department of Education Releases Study on Maryland’s College and Career Readiness Standard

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proud to announce the submission and publication of the final report of the empirical research study of the college and career readiness standard completed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). The research study investigates the alignment between Maryland’s College and Career Ready Academic Content Standards and postsecondary expectations, as well as how well the interim CCR standard and alternative specifications of the standard predict postsecondary progress.…

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#MACoCon Looks to the Future of Public Service, Hiring the NextGen County Workforce

County leaders at the 2023 MACo Summer Conference explored trends in academia and the workforce in the public sector and best practices to attract the next generation of public servants. Governments at all levels are challenged to hire and retain staff, tackling issues like multi-generational differences and hybrid working environments. Local governments face a unique obstacle as society reconsiders what public service is and what it means to be a public servant today. The 2023…

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Can’t Miss Webinar Aug 23: Learn How to Host Service Fellows, Fill County Vacancies

On August 23, MACo will host a webinar with the new Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation on how counties can fill vacancies by participating in the new Service Year fellowship program. Maryland's new Department of Service and Civic Innovation and the Service Year Option program are now up and running. 2023 legislation supported by MACo created both. The law and program specifically target local governments to host fellows in various fields, providing hands-on experience…

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Maryland Community Colleges Offer Pathway to Biotech

The role of Maryland's community colleges is shifting, with more offering students affordable educations and direct paths to careers in biotechnology. Maryland’s community colleges are critical infrastructure to meet the state’s educational and workforce goals. The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a shift in higher education and the role of two-year community colleges -- especially in Maryland, which has the second-best community colleges in the country. Community colleges across the state are offering a more diverse…

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States are Fast-Tracking Credentials to Tackle the Teacher Shortage

Educators and classroom support staff are in demand, with states nationwide scrambling to hire and retain the positions. Some states are tackling the problem by easing credentials and partnering to streamline certification processes. Teachers are leaving the profession at a concerning rate nationwide, and hiring new education staff remains a significant challenge, including in Maryland. Combined with the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, local education agencies (LEAs) are facing a perfect storm scenario around…

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Continuing Overhaul, Treasurer Sets 6% Interest for Prepaid College Trust Accounts

The State Treasurer is restoring interest earned under the same rates prepaid tuition account holders were due under their previous contracts. Maryland’s Prepaid College Trust has been in turmoil for over a year. The Prepaid College Trust is offered by Maryland 529 and managed by Intuition College Savings Solutions, LLC. It was designed to help individuals and families save for college in a tax-advantaged way. However, over the last year, hundreds of Maryland families who…

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Howard Establishes First-Ever Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program for County Teachers

Howard County will be the first in the state to offer student loan repayment assistance for county public school teachers in an effort to hire and retain educators. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball recently introduced new legislation to help Howard County public school teachers repay their student loans. The assistance program would be the first local one for teachers. The Howard County Council was quick to act and unanimously approved the initiative. The Student Loan…

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Baltimore Co is Working to Make Community College Free for Residents

Baltimore County is pursuing free community college education for its residents, in an effort to meet the changing workforce landscape It's no surprise that Maryland's community colleges rank second in the nation, mainly for their affordability and accessibility and growing role in preparing a qualified, diverse workforce. Now, Baltimore County is deepening its commitment to provide free community college and help fill labor and skills gaps in the County and State's economy -- a growing trend around Maryland. Baltimore County Executive…

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