Maryland’s Launch Years Task Force

Overview

Math has often been perceived as a barrier rather than a gateway to success. The Launch Years Initiative aims to catalyze systemic change to address this concern and modernize the landscape of mathematics education. Addressing the urgent need for equitable access to meaningful mathematics experiences, this national initiative brings together 24 states, national organizations, and leaders in mathematics education and educational equity. Under the guidance of the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin, the Launch Years Initiative endeavors to redefine the role of mathematics in students' lives and elevates its potential as a path forward rather than a barrier to navigate.

Maryland’s Launch Years Task Force builds upon this national framework and leverages cross-state collaboration, research, and shared expertise to shape locally responsive solutions. By adapting these national efforts to Maryland’s unique educational landscape, the Task Force works to ensure that all students have access to high-quality mathematics pathways that support their postsecondary success.


Maryland’s Task Force Charge

Develop recommendations to strengthen the secondary mathematics experience by aligning content, course structures, and related policies with current best practices and modern advancements in mathematics education. Ultimately, all students should have access to mathematics that:

  • Aligns with their college and/or career goals;

  • Connects to their personal interests and lived experiences;

  • Provides the individualized support that they need to succeed;

  • Is equitably and authentically accessible, and

  • Effectively prepares them for a successful transition into their chosen postsecondary pursuits.


Areas of Work

  • Establishing clear, relevant, and forward-thinking K-12 math pathways

  • Developing and promoting policies that support equitable access, rigorous learning opportunities, and alignment with postsecondary and workforce demands.

  • Providing state, regional, and district leaders with research-based insights, tools, and strategies to implement innovative mathematics education programs

  • Centering the experiences of historically underserved communities and ensuring that all students have access to meaningful, high-quality mathematics learning.

  • Strengthening collaboration with the broader mathematics education community, including educators, policymakers, families, and industry partners

  • Using data-driven decision-making to refine policies, practices, and instructional models to ensure equitable impact across all mathematics pathways.




Task Force Membership

Maryland’s Launch Years Task Force includes representatives from diverse educational and industry sectors across the state. Members include policymakers, educational leaders, and practitioners who shape and implement initiatives at both the high school and postsecondary levels. The task force is intentionally designed to bring together a broad range of perspectives to support a comprehensive and inclusive approach to strengthening the connection between K-12 education and college and career readiness.


Task Force Members

Lyndsey Brightful (Director of Mathematics, MSDE)

Brittany Miller (High School Math Content Specialist, Washington County Public Schools)

Robert Richardson, Ed.D. (Coordinator of Mathematics, MSDE)

Ryan Shifler, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Mathematics, Salisbury University)

Ted Coe, Ph.D. (Educational Consultant)

Joleigh Honey (Educational Consultant)

Andrew Brantlinger, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Maryland)

Tiara Cornelius, Ph.D. (Associate Professor of Mathematics / Mathematics Chair, University of Maryland Eastern Shore)

Jenelle Cutitta (Associate Professor of Mathematics, Carroll Community College)

Dewayne Morgan, Ph.D. (Senior Director of Education, Outreach and Pipeline Development, University System of Maryland)

Milton Nash, Ph.D. (Collegewide Dean of Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science, Montgomery College)

Kathie Noonan (Associate Professor of Mathematics, Wor-Wic Community College)

Daniel Pezzi (Graduate Student / Mathematics Instructor, Johns Hopkins University)

Christopher Rakes, Ph.D. (Professor of Mathematics Education / Associate Chair of Education, UMBC)

Felice Shore, Ph.D. (Professor of Mathematics / Assistant Chair of Mathematics, Towson University)

Carrie Akins (Director of Career & Technical Education | Principal, Calvert County Public Schools)

Bridget Dunbar (Supervisor of Instruction, St. Mary’s Public Schools )

Dives Lopes (Secondary Math Coach, Prince George’s County Public Schools )

Laura Potter (Supervisor of Mathematics K-12, Harford County Public Schools )

Nina Riggs (Academic Coordinator for Math & Science, Maryland Juvenile Education Program )

Joe Sutton (Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics, Calvert County Public Schools)

Stephen Thompson, Ed.D. (Supervisor of Mathematics, Allegany County Public Schools )

Garnetta Turner (High School Mathematics Instructional Specialist, Prince George’s County Public Schools)

Alexandra Chaillou (Ph.D. Associate Director of Institution Review, Maryland Higher Education Commission )

Kysha Egungbemi (Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Gifted/Talented Programs, MSDE)

Will Forrester (Coordinator of School Programs, MSDE)

Stacie Marvin (Coordinator of Mathematics, MSDE)

Jen Meehan (Coordinator of Mathematics, MSDE)

Adei Snyder (Project Manager for Mathematics Assessments, MSDE)



Meeting Notes

The meeting notes for the Mathematics Task Force will be posted here shortly. 


Resources

Charles A. Dana Center
Launch Years Initiative
K-12 Webinars
Dana Center Math Course Frameworks