Maryland State Board of Education adopts new math policy

The Maryland State Board of Education has moved to adopt a new PreK-12 Mathematics Policy aimed at improving student achievement and ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction. The policy is a strategic initiative designed to transform how mathematics is taught, learned, and assessed, supporting the goals of ‘The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future’. It emphasizes a structured program to develop conceptual understanding and fluency to prepare students for real-world applications and postsecondary coursework.

In a related decision, the Board voted to delay a requirement that would mandate 60 minutes of daily math instruction for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Implementation of this specific requirement has been pushed back to the fall of 2028. The delay follows concerns from educators and board members regarding the impact on other subjects, such as arts programs, and the potential for ineffective instructional time. The decision to postpone comes as the state addresses math proficiency levels, which recently showed only 27% of students were proficient.