Baltimore (WBFF) — Dr. Carey Wright, the Interim State Superintendent of Schools, recently discussed the future of Maryland schools in her first exclusive interview since assuming the position.
Reflecting on her initial six months in the role, Dr. Wright highlighted the importance of enhancing educational outcomes for children and supporting educators and administrators in this endeavor. She emphasized the need for strategic changes to achieve these goals.
With Maryland investing billions of additional dollars in education, Dr. Wright aims to ensure that taxpayers see a substantial return on this investment. Drawing from her experience in Mississippi, where she previously served as the State Superintendent, she faced the challenge of transforming one of the nation’s lowest-performing school systems.
During her tenure in Mississippi, Dr. Wright spearheaded a comprehensive education reform focusing on early childhood literacy and teacher training in reading instruction. By implementing initiatives such as hiring literacy coaches for underperforming schools and closely monitoring progress, Mississippi witnessed a significant improvement in its education system. This transformation elevated the state’s ranking from 50th to 35th in the nation, as reported by Quality Counts, Education Week’s annual assessment.
Dr. Wright emphasized the critical role of reading instruction, particularly in the early grades, as a fundamental aspect of educational reform. She stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge in the science of reading to enhance student literacy.
In Maryland, Dr. Wright advocates for aligning educational practices with successful strategies employed in Mississippi, emphasizing the need for structured reading programs to ensure students achieve proficiency by the third grade.
Despite challenges in funding the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Dr. Wright remains steadfast in her commitment to its full implementation. She believes that restructuring existing resources and prioritizing student needs are essential steps in advancing the state’s education system.
Addressing concerns raised by Maryland school administrators regarding union influence on teacher evaluations and dismissals, Dr. Wright emphasized the importance of providing support and professional development opportunities to enhance educators’ effectiveness. She underscored the significance of prioritizing student welfare and academic achievement in all educational leadership roles.
As Maryland continues its search for a permanent State Superintendent, Dr. Wright’s proactive approach to education reform and unwavering dedication to student success position her as a strong candidate for the role. The Maryland State Board of Education is expected to announce its selection in late April following a national search process.