Strong Schools Maryland touring state to talk about Blueprint education reform plan
Stock.adobe.com photo by Monkey Business.
A grassroots organization that advocates for education equity in Maryland could soon be in a jurisdiction near you to talk about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan.
The staff with Strong Schools Maryland has already visited four counties this summer – Dorchester, Anne Arundel, Garrett and Prince George’s – to talk about the Blueprint plan with residents at local events. The 2024 Tour for Maryland’s Future‘s next stops are in Caroline County on Wednesday, Wicomico County on Thursday and Carroll County on Saturday.
At least three more are scheduled for later this month: in Baltimore County on July 17, Kent County on July 18 and Baltimore City on July 23.
Riya Gupta, policy researcher with Strong Schools Maryland, said the goal is to visit the remaining 14 counties in the state this summer.
One aspect learned so far: Some people still don’t know much about the Blueprint.
“We’re meeting them where they are,” Gupta said. “We are partnering with local organizations that are already hosting events in their counties … to create presence there, share resources, tell people about what we do.”
The organization was a leading advocate in passage of the Blueprint when it became law three years ago.
One requirement in the Blueprint plan that Strong Schools supports deals with community schools, which receive a concentration of poverty grants and partner with local organizations to help educators, parents and a child’s family. Some of the services include before- or after-school tutoring, English-language learner courses and food pantries.
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Gupta said her organization has heard complaints that some community school coordinators are asked to help with teaching and other administrative duties.
“They are doing the jobs of teachers and staff when they have a full job of making sure the community school is running,” she said.
After Strong Schools Maryland completes its summer tour, the plan is to put together a report and submit it to state lawmakers, the Maryland State Board of Education, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board, and other stakeholders.
The organization has a message for those who believe the 10-year plan that is slated to invest billions of dollars annually into education is too expensive.
“Our students are worth it,” Gupta said. “We know we have underinvested in our students, specifically our Black and brown students, our students with disabilities, our multi-lingual learners. They’re our future generations that are going to lead our state and our country. The only way to make them more well-equipped is to invest in them.”
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