Maryland hopes to increase literacy rates through Science of Reading initiative

WICOMICO CO., MD. – The Maryland State Board of Education is implementing a new initiative to encourage elementary literacy.

To enhance the student experience, school district leaders said they’re putting an emphasis on the Science of Reading.

Wicomico County’s supervisor of reading for kindergarten through fifth grade, Renee Hall, said it starts with students challenging themselves in the classroom.

“They’re reading high, rich, vocabulary words and comprehension as well, and having that phonics part, to try to make sure that they can decode a word that they don’t know,” Hall said.

With the new implementation, Hall is hopeful that more students will find learning fun, so they’re prepared for their post-primary school education.

“I love to see them excited about reading, when they can figure out a word and they can tell me when they have figured out that word, or, if I just have to remind them of a little skill and then they can figure it out,” Hall said.

Interim state superintendent, Dr. Carey White will present a comprehensive plan for the 2024-2025 academic year.