Education is crucial to the economic mobility of residents and the strength of Maryland’s economy as a whole. Unfortunately, low-income Marylanders are less likely to succeed in school and have fewer opportunities compared to those who are more financially advantaged.
MDCEP conducts research and analysis on state education policy with a focus on how state policymakers make funding decisions the impact Marylanders’ access to educational opportunity.
- Related News and Resources
Maryland School Funding Update: Steady Course, Storms Ahead
This year’s legislative session, which ended in mid-April, brought few changes to Maryland’s school funding landscape. Most school districts will see increases in state funding
State Budget Update: Supporting Maryland’s Public Schools
Educating Maryland’s children is one of the most important responsibilities of our state government, and this year has tested policymakers’ commitment to providing public schools
Maryland Is Increasing Support for Schools, but Must Address Remaining Obstacles
When Maryland students return to school this fall, it will be the state’s second year phasing in the historic Blueprint for Maryland’s Future school funding reform. Both Gov. Moore’s budget proposal and the adopted state budget faithfully implement the Blueprint reforms, which means that scheduled funding boosts will proceed normally. However, rapid inflation, varying enrollment trends, and a change to the way the state measures student poverty combine to make this year’s school funding picture more complicated than most.
Lawmakers Have Laid a Strong Foundation for Maryland’s Public Schools; Here’s What Lies Ahead
As the 2021 legislative session nears its end, Maryland children, parents, and educators have much to celebrate.
Help Proposed for Families Struggling to Afford Enough to Eat
Passage of measures being considered by the legislature would help the one in eight Maryland families that struggle to put food on the table every day. Legislation would increase the cash assistance for food, expand the school free lunch program, and make free school breakfast available to more children. All of these initiatives would invest in brighter futures for families and children who live, learn, and work in the state.
- Education Publications
Annual KIDS COUNT® Data Book Reinforces the Importance of Policies That Improve Children’s Well-Being
The release of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book offers a clear window into how Maryland’s children and families are faring. With an
Maryland School Funding Update: Steady Course, Storms Ahead
This year’s legislative session, which ended in mid-April, brought few changes to Maryland’s school funding landscape. Most school districts will see increases in state funding
State Budget Update: Supporting Maryland’s Public Schools
Educating Maryland’s children is one of the most important responsibilities of our state government, and this year has tested policymakers’ commitment to providing public schools
Maryland Families Are More Financially Secure, Data Show, But Federal Actions Threaten Progress
Maryland’s children and families have seen areas of significant economic progress and lingering educational challenges since 2019, the year prior to the start of the
First Look: Governor Combines Revenues, Cuts to Narrow Budget Gap
Gov. Moore’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025–June 2026) makes a significant dent in the state’s looming shortfalls, with similar-sized contributions from tax
Maryland Is Increasing Support for Schools, but Must Address Remaining Obstacles
When Maryland students return to school this fall, it will be the state’s second year phasing in the historic Blueprint for Maryland’s Future school funding reform. Both Gov. Moore’s budget proposal and the adopted state budget faithfully implement the Blueprint reforms, which means that scheduled funding boosts will proceed normally. However, rapid inflation, varying enrollment trends, and a change to the way the state measures student poverty combine to make this year’s school funding picture more complicated than most.