BACKGROUND OF GROUP FORMATION

The United States was the world leader in education, and Maryland was one of the best states, for most of the 20th century. Unfortunately, in recent decades, both have fallen into mediocrity, and far behind the leading education systems in the world. Since Maryland's kids will be competing in the global workplace with students that are far better prepared, the implications are profound. The Maryland General Assembly therefore launched a four-year comprehensive study to address these critical issues chaired by renowned education leader, Brit Kirwan. One of their key findings is that less than a third of Maryland students are currently prepared to compete on an even footing with those of the leading programs. The result was the enactment of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, with major investments in key areas. Fully implemented, it will transform the current array of education programs designed in the 1930's into a system based on the proven results of the best performing systems in the world. This will not happen overnight. It will require at least ten years of public support and participation to ensure that the major initial investments produce the results that are essential.

WORLD CLASS GRADS FORMATION

World Class Grads GROUP was formed in 2019 to support full implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. WORLD CLASS GRADS-MARYLAND, INC WAS INCORPORATED IN JUNE 2021 IN MARYLAND AS A TAX-EXEMPT NON-STOCK CORPORATION. Our members are a diverse and experienced group from both the private and public sectors who are committed to the vision that every child in Maryland receive a world class education and a bright future. We intend to pursue this commitment by producing solid research, policy papers, and effective communications to generate long term public support for the success of the Blueprint. In addition to getting meticulously organized regarding governance and procedure, we have spent considerable time studying the findings of the Kirwan Commission and the Blueprint. Our members have also been deeply involved in participation on a county task force to eliminate racial achievement gaps, chairing a nonprofit effort to chart careers for underprivileged kids, leading an effort to integrate the charitable education support groups, study the key future role of community colleges, study the critical needs of early childhood educations, writing guest columns for key newspapers on the importance of full implementation, and seeking counsel from leading state and national; authorities on best practices.