Dorchester & Somerset Make Largest Strides in Reading Proficiency Statewide

WESTOVER, Md. – According to this year’s Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) result, Dorchester County (DCPS) and Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) recorded the highest year-over-year increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency in the state.

Between the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 school years, DCPS noted the largest change in the state with an increase in ELA proficiency of 7.6 percentage points. SCPS noted the second largest improvement, with a change of 4.7 percentage points.

“This growth reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff who are working every day to strengthen literacy instruction and support student success,” said Somerset County Superintendent Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. “While we recognize there is still work ahead to raise overall proficiency levels, this progress proves that our efforts are making a measurable difference.”

Somerset County has struggled with the state’s lowest levels of reading proficiency at 35.1 percent, scoring just above Baltimore City (31.2 percent). Statewide, Maryland students also showed gains in ELA, with proficiency rising from last year’s 48.4 percent to 50.8 percent. Worcester County has the state’s highest reading proficiency at 68.5 percent.

To view more details of the report, click here.