EngagementReport-Phase2 - Flipbook - Page 39
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Stakeholders have stressed key areas for improvement, the unmet
challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and urgency
about the need to transform educational experiences for all students
at scale, especially those who have been historically underserved.
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ensuring better coordination between industry and the educational system to facilitate students’ access and success with career
exploration, work-based learning, and job placement opportunities.
Many of the themes that were prominent in the strategic planning survey and roundtables also emerged during listening sessions.
Participants stressed the importance of strengthening health and wellness supports for students. They also emphasized creating
seamless and equitable pathways to college and careers and the expectation that institutions of higher education, employers, and
the educational system must collaborate effectively to make those pathways a reality for every Maryland student. Listening sessions
also called attention to additional priorities, such as the need to address teacher shortages and expanding high-quality Pre-K and
early childhood programs.
As we entered Phase 2 of our engagement efforts, we heard stakeholders advocate for innovative ways to recruit and retain highquality teachers and staff during the Regional Data Walks. The feedback mirrored previous conversations about pathways to college
and careers and exposing students to more opportunities earlier in their educational journey. Data walks fostered a collaborative
environment where local education leaders could connect and learn from one another reflecting a clear demand for more
opportunities like this in the future.
The Maryland State Board of Education and the Maryland State Department of Education look forward to continuing to engage
Marylanders as we move into Phase 3 of the strategic planning process. Together, we will develop the targets that must be met to
fulfil our goals on a specific timeline, as well as the flagship strategies, initiatives, and programs outlining the concrete work that
needs to be completed for achieving each priority and enabler.
ENGAGEMENT REPORT - PHASE 2
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