A Message from MSEA President Paul Lemle
Where We Stand on “STARS” for schools
Federal law requires states to use standardized tests and publish the results. However, letter grades and “star” ratings are NOT required—and some assessment experts believe they do more harm than good.
The star system can oversimplify the work educators do and perpetuate the segregation of and disinvestment in our communities. Star ratings can signal “don’t move here” to families and “don’t invest here” to local businesses—deepening challenges for communities that already face systemic barriers.
Maryland is one of only four states that uses a star rating system; six more use letter grades. Most states create and publish descriptive reports on data dashboards that help focus on what is needed to improve our schools. Descriptive models provide context, highlight strengths and challenges, and support targeted improvement.
Assessment expert Dr. Scott Marion of the National Center for the Improvement of Educational Assessment, says that “grades or other overall school designations, such as stars, hide more information than they reveal.”
When multiple indicators are blended into one rating, families and educators lose the ability to quickly understand why a school received that label and what would help improve outcomes.
As MSDE begins work to revise our current school rating system, MSEA will work with policymakers to ensure that the updated system is fair, transparent, and understandable. This work will include not just MSDE, but the General Assembly and the State Board of Education.
A better system is possible—one that reflects the realities of teaching and learning, supports and encourages continuous improvement, and focuses on the conditions that truly drive and impact student success.