In Maryland's public schools, we are committed to a basic premise: every child can learn. With the right academic environment one that values and encourages each child's talents and heritage, as well as the shared strength of our children Ä we know that every child in every classroom in Maryland can succeed, academically and in life.

Providing that educational climate is vital to the academic achievement of all our children. Just as we affirm the democratic values that underlie our shared beliefs, we must also nurture the growing diversity that characterizes our families, communities, and schools in Maryland. We are dedicated and obligated to make sure that no child is left out of our drive toward excellence.

To assist in preparing all students for success in today's global community, the Maryland State Board of Education in 1994 adopted Education That Is Multicultural regulations as a way of ensuring that all Maryland public school students have appropriate and equitable learning opportunities. Local school systems crafted five-year plans to address multicultural education and student achievement. The Maryland State Department of Education infused its programs and assessments with a multicultural focus, and also provided assistance and resources to school systems throughout the state.

This report tracks the progress of state and local Education That Is Multicultural plans. While much has been accomplished, still more remains to be done to assure that all students benefit from rigorous learning opportunities that build on their own unique experiences and heritage. Today we continue the process of helping students achieve academic success with an awareness of and appreciation for the diversity that abounds in their classmates, in their communities, and in their world.

Nancy S. Grasmick
State Superintendent of Schools