Education (K-12 Education)

SB 324 establishes a direct admission program for high school students meeting Maryland's college and career readiness standards (CCR standards) at participating public senior higher education institutions, starting in the 2027-2028 academic year. It directly affects eligible high school seniors who complete required coursework, meet CCR standards, and apply during their 12th grade. Key mechanisms include requiring the Maryland Higher Education Commission to administer the program through the financial aid system and Common Application, mandating joint notification by the State Department of Education and Commission about students meeting CCR standards, and allowing institutions to participate (with waived application fees and conditional admission offers). Institutions may set additional criteria but must report them annually and can revoke offers for failing to meet standards or diploma requirements.

This House Joint Resolution (HJ 3) is a policy statement, not a binding law, acknowledging Maryland's commitment to inclusive education. It resolves that elementary and secondary school curricula should include the history of communities that have experienced discrimination (based on disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, indigenous affiliation, or sexual orientation) to ensure all students feel represented. The resolution directs education officials to adopt this inclusive approach but does not mandate specific curriculum changes or allocate funding. It primarily affects state education leaders, school boards, and curriculum developers by setting a policy direction for curriculum content.

SB 343 modifies Maryland law to clarify how county school boards fund post-college and career readiness (post-CCR) pathways for students meeting college and career readiness (CCR) standards. It requires counties to provide free access to specific pathways (like International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, or career-technical programs) for all eligible students, but allows boards to establish income-based eligibility for the college-preparatory pathway (Section 7-205.1(g)(2)). Crucially, students from families earning below 400% of the federal poverty level must receive these pathways at no cost, regardless of income guidelines. The bill directly affects public high school students meeting CCR standards and ensures equitable access to pathways without cost barriers for low-income families.