Maryland schools are showing impressive progress in recovering from the learning loss experienced during the pandemic, recent data reveals.
In a significant achievement, Maryland schools have ranked among the top states in the nation for their recovery from pandemic-related learning loss. Specifically, they secured the third position in reading recovery rates and fifth in math recovery, as highlighted in the 2025 Education Scorecard released by Harvard and Stanford Universities along with Dartmouth College.
In comparison, Washington D.C. led the country in both math and reading recovery efforts.
This vital data was presented during a meeting of the Maryland State Board of Education on Thursday.
Trish Brennan-Gac, the executive director of the literacy nonprofit Maryland READS, acknowledged that while the state board has valid reasons to celebrate the reading gains, overall proficiency levels still fall short. “It’s not that we are the No. 3-ranked state in reading proficiency,” she remarked in an interview with WTOP. “Rather, it reflects our rate of change, which is outpacing most school districts nationwide.”
During her address at the meeting, Brennan-Gac urged the state board to explore methods for decreasing reliance on technology in classroom instruction. She advocates for a renewed emphasis on printed materials and textbooks in schools. “This concern has evolved beyond a fringe issue; it represents a growing movement that transcends social media and smartphones,” she asserted.
Brennan-Gac believes that both the board and Maryland’s schools superintendent, Carey Wright, can play a significant leadership role in this endeavor. “You have the opportunity to create transition guidelines and funding pathways for districts ready to make immediate changes. This action would demonstrate a clear commitment from Maryland to uphold developmentally appropriate instruction, backed by research that indicates how books, as opposed to tech platforms, effectively enhance children’s reading capabilities,” she stated.
Furthermore, the Maryland State Department of Education has recently provided guidance to school districts regarding cellphone use in schools and has issued new recommendations on artificial intelligence. Importantly, the department has clarified that the application of these policies is left to the discretion of individual school districts.
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