September 12, 2025 (Westover, MD) – Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) has been recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for outstanding growth in reading achievement. According to the 2024–2025 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) results, SCPS recorded the second-highest year-over-year increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency of all 24 Maryland school systems.
Between the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 school years, SCPS students achieved a 4.7 percentage-point gain in ELA proficiency, trailing only Dorchester County in statewide improvement.
“This growth reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, and staff who are working every day to strengthen literacy instruction and support student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell. “While we recognize there is still work ahead to raise overall proficiency levels, this progress proves that our efforts are making a measurable difference.”
Statewide, Maryland students also showed gains in ELA, with proficiency rising to 50.8%. Somerset’s growth underscores the effectiveness of ongoing literacy initiatives, targeted interventions, and community partnerships designed to ensure all students have the skills they need to excel.
MSDE’s report highlights that, while proficiency rates vary widely across the state, Somerset County’s momentum in reading growth stands out as a leading example of academic recovery and progress.