Extending from November 2021 to October 2022, this phase focused on gaining initial input from a wide range of stakeholders representing the diversity of the state. Through multiple methods, from a statewide survey to roundtables and listening sessions, to the State Superintendent shadowing students in schools throughout the state, we learned what mattered most to our communities to transform public education in Maryland. The feedback we received helped shape the Strategic Plan’s foundational elements, specifically the vision, mission, values, priorities, and enablers.

Between October 2022 and February 2023, the State Board and the Maryland State Department of Education continued to engage with our communities to refine the Phase 1 elements of the Strategic Plan, and develop the goals and metrics linked to each of the priorities and enablers outlined in Phase 1. Engagement took the form of regional data walks with stakeholders, ongoing student shadows, and a new series of roundtables and community events. The goals and metrics released in this phase provide insight on our direction as we move into Phase 3.

Between February and June 2023, we will engage with stakeholders to identify flagship strategies, initiatives, and programs and set targets to achieve the goals developed in Phase 2. This work will be informed by best-in-class research and involve in-depth conversations with education experts, practitioners, and decision makers from early childhood to K-12 education and from the business community to institutions of higher education. The complete Strategic Plan will be released in June 2023. It will anchor the vision, mission, values, priorities, enablers, goals, metrics, targets, and the flagship programs, initiatives, and strategies to the Blueprint’s promise of an excellent and equitable education for every child.