John Huber
Chronic Absenteeism and Grading in Maryland: When Students Pass Without Showing Up
Chronic absenteeism has emerged as a critical issue in Maryland’s public schools. Over recent years, the number of students missing significant class time has surged, even as promotion rates remain very high (promotion is the percentage of students who are passed on to the next grade K–12). This disconnect creates important questions about accountability, instructional …
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Resetting the Scoreboard: Maryland’s Assessment Cycle and the Illusion of Progress
Resetting the Scoreboard: Maryland’s Assessment Cycle and the Illusion of Progress In Maryland, the rhythm of educational reform follows a familiar beat: a new test is introduced, expectations are reset and redefined, scores are delayed, and then, almost predictably, gains are celebrated. Within this cycle lies a concerning issue. The illusion of progress is created …
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Franklin Middle School Incident Highlights Ongoing Safety and Policy Challenges
The second day of school at Franklin Middle School in Baltimore County brought a frightening discovery: a student was found in possession of an unloaded firearm. While no one was harmed, the incident raises concerns for parents, educators, and administrators , and exposes possible issues with school safety, policy compliance, and legal processes. Parents’ Fears, …
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Worcester County Schools Updates Its School Resource Deputy Agreement: A Step Forward for Clarity and Collaboration
The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) have finalized an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the School Resource Deputy (SRD) program, covering the 2025–2026 school years. While the document remains generally unchanged from the previous agreement, several refinements demonstrate a commitment to clearer roles, stronger collaboration. Defining the Mission …
A Trans Girl was Placed in a Girls Only Sex Ed Class in Tennessee
By John Huber An interesting—and controversial—story out of Tennessee is stirring up the conversation around sex education, gender identity, and parental concerns. In one district, sex education is taught separately to boys and girls, as many of us probably remember from our own school days. But the situation became more complicated when a transgender student—who …
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Homeschooling in Maryland Faces Scrutiny as State Launches Review
Maryland Education Department Conducts Regulatory Review of Homeschooling Program The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has begun a regulatory review of its homeschooling program, prompting discussion among parents, educators, and advocates. Regulatory reviews are a standard process in which state agencies evaluate existing rules to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and compliant with current …
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Somerset County’s Education Showdown: A Lesson in State vs. Local Control
In the ongoing saga of Somerset County Public Schools, what started as a local issue has escalated into a full-blown test of authority between the county school board and the Maryland State Department of Education. About a year ago, Dr. Ava Tasker Mitchell was hired as Somerset County’s new superintendent. She inherited a challenging situation. …
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What They’re Not Telling You About “Students With Disabilities” and School Discipline
By John Huber Every few months, another article circulates with a headline about how “students with disabilities” are suspended at disproportionately higher rates than students without disabilities. The intent is valid: to spotlight a lack of support and call for improvement. But the term itself, “students with disabilities,” is misleading, and the information that follows …
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Crossing County Lines: Worcester Commissioner Praises Somerset While Misrepresenting Her Own
At a recent Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) budget hearing, a familiar theme was in full effect. County Commissioners questioned school leaders over budgetary priorities. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just about numbers. Commissioner Abbott questioned student achievement data, particularly that of Hispanic students. She cited what she claimed was a dismal 19.4% proficiency rate in math. …
Worcester County’s Budget Battle – Politics and Public Education
Another year, another budget battle in Worcester County. What should have been a straightforward funding process for public education has once again become a showcase of political posturing and bureaucratic friction. The root of the issue? Teacher pay—and the widening gap between local governance and state mandates. Basically, the conflict is that the Blueprint for …
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