Advocacy and Public Policy Series: Conversation with Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network for a conversation with Dr. William “Brit” Kirwan, member of the new state-level Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) and former chairman of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (also known as the Kirwan Commission) that resulted in the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which is now law.

Dr. Kirwan will provide an update on the role of the AIB with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, expectations for the Blueprint with respect to impacting K-12 education, how the Blueprint addresses equity in education, and implications for the work ahead. We will also explore ways to engage the philanthropic community in supporting the effort around the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Dr. Kirwan will be joined by Rachel Hise, Executive Director of the Accountability and Implementation Board. Previously, Ms. Hise served as a long-time policy analyst for the Department of Legislative Services and was the lead staff person to the Kirwan Commission.

As written in statute, the Accountability and Implementation Board is “an independent unit of state government charged with holding state and local governments, including county boards, accountable for implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and evaluating the outcomes achieved against the goals of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.” The first of its kind in the country that includes a specific intent to address equity in public education, the goal of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is to transform Maryland’s education system to the levels of high-performing systems around the world. The five strategic policy areas of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future include:

1. Early childhood education
2. High-quality and diverse teachers and school leaders
3. College and career readiness pathways (including Career and Technical Education)
4. Resources to ensure that all students are successful
5. Governance and accountability

Passed in legislation in 2021, the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is in its first year of implementation. Come learn about this innovative state policy effort that will reshape public education in Maryland.

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only.