Carey Wright will set reading instruction right in Maryland

Maryland’s education system is undergoing a revitalization thanks to the work of one of the country’s top education innovators, Carey Wright (“‘The science of reading’ method to be taught at Maryland schools next academic year. What does that mean?” Jan. 23).

Wright, the former Mississippi state superintendent of education, currently serves as Maryland’s interim state superintendent of education. Her top priority for the Old Line State: addressing the concerning reading gap among K-12 students.

According to data from Maryland READS, a local nonprofit with a focus on equity in literacy, Maryland has had the fastest decline of reading scores in the country. Fourth-grade reading proficiency levels declined by 13% between 2014 and 2022.

Solving reading proficiency challenges is not new to Wright, who orchestrated Mississippi’s incredible improvement from the 49th state to 21st in fourth-grade reading proficiency. Wright embraced two approaches to make this happen: A-F school grading and comprehensive science of reading policies. The science of reading, a proven strategy for early literacy instruction, uses scientific evidence based on how children become successful readers. This is what Wright wants to instill in Maryland.

Maryland’s state board of education has set the ambitious goal to rank among the top 10 states in reading proficiency on the fourth- and eighth-grade National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) exams by 2027. The rollout of science of reading policies to Maryland’s public schools will not happen overnight. Success will depend on a united front of school leaders, local communities and policymakers rallying behind the common goal of transforming Maryland’s education system.

Now is the time for Maryland to seize the chance to achieve this, and Carey Wright is the right leader to guide the way.