MCCRS Resources

What Are the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards?

Schools across the State in 2013-14 have implemented Maryland's College and Career-Ready Standards (MCCRS). These standards incorporate the Common Core State Standards. Maryland was one of the first states to adopt the standards in reading/English language arts and mathematics. The Maryland State Board of Education adopted the standards by unanimous vote in June 2010.

Maryland's College and Career-Ready Standards form the foundation for Maryland's new State curriculum framework. Hundreds of classroom educators, instructional leaders, administrators, and higher education representatives continue to assist State officials in developing the new Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards Framework to support the implementation of these new standards.

SMCPS has identified three common learning expectations aligned to the CCSS, in which all students will do the following:

• Demonstrate independence and perseverance;
• Construct arguments, comprehend, critique, and support with evidence; and
• Use resources, strategies, and tools to demonstrate strong content knowledge.

Resources for Parents

•  Frequently Asked Questions

Read the Standards

Link to Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards and Resources

These standards are designed to ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to go to college or enter the workforce and that parents, teachers, and students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

Student Standards

Reading/English Language Arts and Cross-Disciplinary Literacy

• Close reading practices: Ensure that students are critically reading passages for full comprehension and direction.
• Analytical thinking: Embed critical thinking within questioning and classroom discourse.
• Rich vocabulary: Develop students’ extensive vocabulary and skills for gaining meaning of words they may not know.
• Application of GUMS: Review and practice students’ proper use of Grammar, Usage, Mechanics, Spelling.
• Supported arguments: Work with students in writing explanations with justification and evidence from text.

Mathematics, Science, and STEM

• Fluency and Automatically: Work with students on computation and math facts.
• Analysis and Problem Solving: Embed higher-order thinking within problem solving, and ensure students can examine and solve complex problems.
• Inquiry: Provide opportunities for student investigation and inquiry.
• Explanations of Thinking: Give multiple opportunities for students to explain their thinking and use of mathematical processes.
• Appropriate Use of Tools, Resources, and Strategies: In problem solving, students should be able to identify, use, and apply the most appropriate tools and strategies to present the solution.