Home > Policy Topics > Education

Education

Education is crucial to the economic mobility of residents and the strength of Maryland’s economy as a whole. Unfortunately, low-income Marylanders are less likely to succeed in school and have fewer opportunities compared to those who are more financially advantaged.  

MDCEP conducts research and analysis on state education policy with a focus on how state policymakers make funding decisions the impact Marylanders’ access to educational opportunity. 

Spotlight

Maryland Is Increasing Support for Schools, but Must Address Remaining Obstacles

When Maryland students return to school this fall, it will be the state’s second year

Lawmakers Have Laid a Strong Foundation for Maryland’s Public Schools; Here’s What Lies Ahead

As the 2021 legislative session nears its end, Maryland children, parents, and educators have much

Help Proposed for Families Struggling to Afford Enough to Eat

Photo by: FeydHuxtable Creative Commons License Passage of measures being considered by the legislature would

Student Debt in Maryland: A Cap and Gown Shouldn’t be a Ball and Chain

Some estimates put the debt burden for Maryland’s college student borrowers as the highest in
Recent Education Publications

Maryland Is Increasing Support for Schools, but Must Address Remaining Obstacles

June 16, 2023 by Christopher Meyer
When Maryland students return to school this fall, it will be the state’s second year phasing in the historic Blueprint for Maryland’s Future school funding reform. Both Gov. Moore’s budget… read more

Maryland Ranks 21st Nationally in Measures of Child Well-Being As Parents Face Growing Challenges With Child Care, Housing

June 14, 2023 by Nonso Umunna
Maryland families are facing a wide range of challenges, such as the high cost of essentials like child care and housing, and that is affecting the well-being of children across… read more

Improved Eligibility Method Leads to Sharp Increase in Students Qualifying for Free School Meals

February 3, 2023 by Nonso Umunna
State budget documents revealed a sharp increase in the number of public school students qualifying for free and reduced-price school meals after the state changed the method it uses to… read more

Drops in Reading and Math Scores Emphasize the Need to Continue Maryland’s Commitment to a Good Education for Every Child

November 28, 2022 by Nonso Umunna
As the first standardized test scores reported since the start of the COVID pandemic show more Maryland students struggling with math and reading, it is more important than ever that… read more

KIDS COUNT: Maryland’s Children Are Experiencing Higher Rates of Anxiety and Depression

August 8, 2022 by Nonso Umunna
Content note: This post references data points related to suicide. Maryland ranks 19th in child well-being according to the 2022 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, just released by The Annie E.… read more

Baltimore City Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Toolkit

April 27, 2022 by Musaab Ibrahim
Baltimore City FY23 Budget As the 2022 budget process gets underway, city residents have an opportunity tonight to weigh in on the city’s preliminary budget. This comes as policymakers weigh… read more

Legislative Session Brought a Wide Range of Policies that Will Improve Well-Being for Children and Families

April 21, 2022 by Nonso Umunna
The 2022 Maryland legislative session saw the passage of several bills that will increase economic security and improve the wellbeing of children and families. Legislators not only passed the Time… read more

Governor’s Budget Proposal Shorts Public Schools by $140 Million

January 25, 2022 by Christopher Meyer
Gov. Hogan’s budget proposal for the 2022–2023 budget year underfunds public schools by $140 million, adding one more entry to the governor’s record of shortchanging education. The largest piece of… read more

The Build Back Better Act Will Do Much to Improve Marylanders’ Lives; It’s Time for the Senate to Finish the Job

November 22, 2021 by Christopher Meyer
Friday’s passage of President Biden’s signature Build Back Better Act in the U.S. Representatives was a major step towards increased opportunities for Marylanders. The bill would ensure families with children… read more

Lawmakers Have Laid a Strong Foundation for Maryland’s Public Schools; Here’s What Lies Ahead

April 5, 2021 by Christopher Meyer
As the 2021 legislative session nears its end, Maryland children, parents, and educators have much to celebrate. The Maryland General Assembly overrode Gov. Hogan’s veto of the 2020 Blueprint for… read more