MCPS reports slight assessment shifts and outlines regulatory and curriculum changes for 2026–28

District leaders presented academic performance data and a preview of regulatory and instructional changes the board should expect in the 2026–28 cycle.

Officials described modest changes in district assessments: small percentage-point increases in some DIBELS and MAP indicators, and mixed results across grade bands and marking periods. Administration emphasized cohort tracking and noted promising fall-to-winter gains, particularly at the primary level and in schools that received intensive cross-functional support. Chief Porter said some schools saw double-digit gains when instructional interventions were sustained.

The division also outlined a package of regulatory changes posted in redline for public comment, including clarifications to grading and reporting (deadlines, academic integrity, reassessments and an AI-use statement), homework guidance (MSDE recommendations to inform future regulation), literacy placement/promotion rules (JEBRA) with good-cause exemptions, and updates to the comprehensive health-education standards. Leaders said most changes are clarifications and that the district will provide training and resources to support consistent implementation.

Staff described a new districtwide observational tool used in over 1,500 classrooms to assess tier-one instruction and identify areas for systemwide professional learning (culturally responsive teaching, effortful thinking and feedback). The district plans a districtwide professional learning plan, summer training titled "Strong Start," and targeted math-curriculum training this summer.

Officials also previewed operational items that will affect school schedules and supports: expanded out-of-school-time programming, a plan to collect partner/after-school participation data, a review of middle- and high-school schedules for standardization options, and a K–12 rollout of "cell phones away all day" next year with communications to families.

Next steps: Staff will finalize posted redline regulations after the public comment window and begin training for grading/regulation clarifications before the next school year; the board requested school- and demographic-level data where indicated.