HB 1582 (Crossover) Education - Program of Educational Accountability - Alterations (Comprehensive Outcomes and Measures of Progress for Supporting Schools (COMPASS Act)

BILL: HB 1582

TITLE: Education - Program of Educational Accountability -

Alterations (Comprehensive Outcomes and Measures of

Progress for Supporting Schools (COMPASS Act)

DATE: April 07, 2026

POSITION: Favorable

COMMITTEE: Senate Education, Energy & the Environment Committee

CONTACT: Mary Pat Fannon, Executive Director, PSSAM

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The Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland (PSSAM), on behalf of all twenty-four public school superintendents, supports House Bill 1582.

This bill would alter the school quality indicators authorized for an educational accountability program and prohibit the use of certain indicators in an educational accountability system.

PSSAM supports House Bill 1582 as it would allow the Maryland Department of Education (MSDE) to more accurately measure Maryland public schools’ progress toward the ambitious goals of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future by updating the Maryland Report Card. House Bill 1582 increases the share of the overall composite score dedicated to academic indicators from 65% to 70%, ensuring that the system more accurately reflects student learning and growth. At the same time, it caps individual proficiency indicators at 20%, preventing any single measure from overshadowing other important dimensions of school performance. This balance is essential for capturing both achievement and growth within Maryland’s public schools.

Beyond academic adjustments, the bill also authorizes MSDE to include credit for completion of a well‑rounded curriculum, reflecting whether students are on track at key transition points; and school staffing indicators, including access to teachers with Advanced Professional Certificates or National Board Certification.

PSSAM believes HB 1582 represents a thoughtful, community‑informed update to Maryland’s accountability system. These changes give MSDE the flexibility to implement recommendations from nearly two years of community collaboration, including the Maryland Assessment and Accountability Task Force and the Maryland Accountability Advisory Committee, both of which included several superintendents. By refining school quality indicators, strengthening the role of academic growth, and ensuring transparent, actionable reporting this bill positions Maryland to better support students, educators, and families                     

For these reasons, PSSAM supports House Bill 1582 and kindly requests a favorable committee report.