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2002
ANNUAL REPORT
Message from the
Chairman / Executive Summary
Dear Colleagues:
As we celebrate the dedicated, dynamic effort on the part of Maryland’s
business community to help improve student achievement over the
last decade, we are proud of our accomplishments,
grateful for your contributions to our efforts, and
inspired to reach even greater heights. As we move
forward, I hope this Annual Report will serve as recognition of,
and a call to maximize, the potential that remains untapped – yours,
mine, and most of all, our children’s.
The events of the past year and a half have given us pause to contemplate
our present situation and choose our future direction. What the
future holds for us and for our children will depend on how well
we equip them with the knowledge and skills to be strong leaders,
effective problem solvers, critical thinkers, productive workers,
and competent citizens.
To prosper – indeed to survive – in tomorrow’s world
will require extraordinary measures today, from all
of us who have a stake in the future. And even though other issues
and concerns beg for our attention, nothing is more critical to
our good future than ensuring that our children receive a first-class
education and are well prepared to contribute to and share in the
economic prosperity of a thriving nation.
The state is at a critical crossroads, and choosing the correct
path is of the utmost importance. After ten years of education reform
resulting in improvements in teaching and learning, we are entering
a new phase of reform in Maryland prompted by two major catalysts:
1) our recognition that steps must be taken to accelerate improvement
in student achievement and 2) the new federally-mandated No
Child Left Behind Act requiring public school systems to
ensure that each student receives a high quality, meaningful education.
We have clear, convincing evidence that our children – even those
facing the greatest challenges – are capable of achieving at very
high levels. The fact that more than half of Maryland’s students
are not meeting the standards is a conspicuous reminder of unmet
potential. There is no conscionable excuse for allowing our young
people to leave school after 13 years without the knowledge and
skills they need to be successful in college, the workplace, and
life. There are, however, reasons – some simple, some complex –
that children don’t learn. As a society, as a community, we must
identify and eliminate the reasons and excuses. Collectively, we
benefit from – or suffer the consequences of – the quality of education
the next generation receives. Collectively, we must ensure it is
the very best and that every child succeeds.
Business must play a critical role in ensuring that this new phase
of education reform results in accelerated improvement in student
achievement. Business must demand – and, at the same time, demonstrate
convincing need for – high academic standards. Business must support
effective instruction, rigorous assessments, and strong accountability
for achievement. Business must use its voice to motivate students,
to influence decision makers, and to build public awareness and
support.
The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education is committed to these
efforts and has voted to extend its commitment to Maryland’s children
to the year 2010. Your participation and involvement with the MBRT
are vital. The results we are able to achieve together are infinitely
greater than that which we can accomplish individually. With your
help, we can make a huge difference in the quality of education,
the quality of our future workforce, and the quality of life in
Maryland for years to come.
--
Raymond A. "Chip" Mason
Chairman, MBRT Board of Directors
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