Research
Better Maryland Schools believes school policy should reflect reliable research, not opinion. For parents who want to dig into the evidence, check our citations below.
Reading
Structured literacy (often called scientifically based reading instruction) helps everyone. Balanced literacy and whole language do not.
Whole language high jinks -- Comprehensive comparison of methodsHow words cast their spell -- Spelling is not about memorizationfrom speech to print -- The book every teacher needs to learn what most were never taughtThe roots of phonics — the classic book that explains how english works
Math
The highest achieving nations in math focus on a smaller number of topics, taught to mastery.
singapore math -- how it helps kids learnNational council on teacher quality — report on teachers' math preparationteaching and knowing elementary mathematics — the classic, groundbreaking book
Instruction
Traditional methods produce better results than “progressive” methods, especially for lower income children.
the academic achievement challenge: what really works in the classroom -- From the harvard professor who helped create sesame streetthe schools we need and why we don't have them -- from the university of virginia professor who started core knowledgemyths and misconceptions about teaching: what really happens in the classroom -- an education professor dispells beliefs most educators believewhen can you trust the experts? — a cognitive scientist explains how the brain really worksdirect instruction — the largest study in human history found direct instruction produces the best results
Academic Results
America does not perform well on the world stage. Maryland compares poorly to other states. (These are fair comparisons where all children are tested, not just the smartest or richest children.)
timms results -- math & science international comparisonpisa results -- math, science & reading international comparisonNAEP Results -- Math & reading, Maryland is below averageSAT results — maryland is below average (1003 compared to u.s. average of 1024). Frederick got 1012, also below average.MATH — 69% of frederick county’s students fail algebra, with disappointing results in math in all gradesScience — less than half of frederick county’s students are proficientEnglish — even poor reading instruction results in about 60% passing ratE (See Page 11). Our scores barely exceed that baseline.
Class Sizes
Lowering class sizes across the board does not appear to raise achievement. But there are exceptions.
Brookings report -- minimal effects at a high costcampbell study — found negative impact on math, small impact overall
School Choice
Charter schools tend to raise achievement.
stanford credo studies -- comprehensive longitudinal reviews (considered the gold standard)fordham foundation — charters tend to improve the regular public schoolsNational Alliance ranking (Last) & EdReform ranking (bottom 5) — maryland’s charter law consistently ranks among the worst nationally
Gender Dysphoria
Most, but not all, students experiencing gender dysphoria will grow comfortable with their biological sex after completing puberty. Mainstream research urges psychological and family support, and caution for minors considering gender transitions.
RECENT STUDY -- having gender concerns can be a part of student devleopment, but most kids grow comfortable with their biological sexHistorical trends — dr. James cantor FACT checks over 40 years of evidence, which shows most minors do not identify as transgender as adultsdr. erica anderson (who is transgender) and dr. Steven Levin — Expert witness testimony accepted by courtscass review — four year study finds “remarkably weak” evidence for minors having gender transitionsreconsidering the "dutch protocol" — written by the same scientists who originally supported gender transitions for minors, who now express doubts
Unions
Unions are highly political, and donate largely to one party.
union plans to smear parents -- see the their plans & playbook herestanford research -- Unions win 70% of board of education electionsThe 74 Million — unions largely donate to one partyProfessional liability insurance — teachers can get twice the coverage for half the costamericans for fair treatment — the supreme court ruled that teachers are not required to join a unionNEa’s controversial resolutions — many are political and unrelated to education
Spending
More spending does not (generally) raise achievement.
spending vs. achievement chart -- more money is not associated with higher achievementNCES review — suggests that allocations (rather than total amount) may matter morebrookings institute weak correlation between spending and outcomesOfficial FCPS Budget books2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 20042005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 20092010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 20142015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 20192020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 20242025, 2026