Maryland Education Board recommends adoption of revised K-12 math standards for 2024

The Maryland Department of Education's Education Policy Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing math education in the state by recommending the adoption of revised pre-K through integrated algebra standards. This decision, made during a meeting on July 17, 2025, is expected to reshape the math curriculum and improve student outcomes across all grade levels.

Lindsay Brightful, the director of mathematics at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), presented the revised standards, which were developed with input from a dedicated committee and various stakeholders over the past year. The revisions emphasize foundational numeracy skills in pre-K, clarify expectations for middle school algebra and geometry, and introduce an integrated approach to high school math that combines algebra, geometry, and statistics.

Key changes include a focus on fluency and problem-solving, ensuring that students engage deeply with algebra readiness concepts in grades 7 and 8. The new standards aim to reduce redundancy and refine content scope, allowing for a more cohesive learning experience. Brightful highlighted the importance of ongoing support for teachers, emphasizing that the implementation of these standards will not solely fall on educators but will involve district-level resources and training.

The committee's discussions also addressed feedback from educators and stakeholders, which led to the creation of crosswalk documents to clarify the transition from old to new standards. Companion guides are in development to provide instructional resources that will help teachers effectively implement the revised standards.

The unanimous recommendation to the full board for adoption in July marks a pivotal moment for Maryland's education system, positioning the state as a leader in math education reform. The committee expressed optimism about the potential impact of these changes on students' math experiences and outcomes, reinforcing the commitment to providing high-quality education that meets the needs of all learners.