The Science of Reading in Maryland

The dynamic field of the Science of Reading refers to an evidence-based instructional philosophy that emphasizes skills development in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension to build strong literacy skills. In January, the Maryland State Board of Education called for the statewide adoption and implementation of literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading. The State Board set an aspirational target for Maryland to be among the top 10 states for literacy instruction by 2027.  

The Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity (MILE), a partnership between the University of Maryland and Morgan State University, conducted a comprehensive statewide review of literacy instruction and offered recommendations to help every Maryland student read and write proficiently. Commissioned by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), MILE’s report was presented to the State Board of Education on September 23 following a monthslong review of literacy instruction in all 24 public school districts. 

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network's Education Funders Affinity Group to learn more about the Science of Reading movement broadly and the critical elements for effective implementation. We’ll also learn from the co-directors of MILE about the key findings and recommendations from their comprehensive review of literacy instruction in public school districts across the state, and from Maryland READS about their work to support, advocate for, and amplify change initiatives throughout Maryland focused on meaningful Science of Reading reforms.  

Our speakers will be: 

• Trish Brennan-Gac, Executive Director, Maryland READS (Reading Education Aligned to Data and Science) 

• Simone Gibson, Director, MILE @ Morgan State, Responsive Literacy, School of Education and Urban Studies, Morgan State University; and 

• Donald “DJ” Bolger, Director, Maryland Initiative for Literacy and Equity (MILE) Center, and Associate Professor, Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland 

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members only.