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Our Vision

To be the premier collaborative hub where research, policy, and practice unite to transform assessment and accountability into tools for equity, driving measurable success for every learner in the state of Maryland.

Our Mission Pillars

Advancing Equitable Assessment & Accountability
We promote the design and implementation of valid, reliable, and fair assessment systems that reflect the true growth of every student. We believe that high-quality accountability is the foundation of educational equity, ensuring that the needs of each and every student are visible and addressed.
Translating Research into Strategic Practice
We bridge the gap between academic research and the classroom by providing a "Scientist-Practitioner" lens to current educational trends. From the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to MTSS to Community Schools and School Improvement, we turn evidence-based research into actionable strategies that drive measurable school success.
Cultivating State-Wide Collaborative Partnerships
We serve as the essential hub for collaboration between the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), Local Education Agencies (LEAs), and University researchers. By uniting policy, research, and practice, we create a unified community dedicated to improving educational outcomes across the state.

our team

Deborah Gilmartin

Executive Director
With 38 years in public education, Deborah has been a leader at the Maryland Assessment Group (MAG) since 1990, and was Executive Director from 2021-2025. She currently serves as the Supervisor of State Assessments and Accountability at Frederick County Public Schools, coordinating all state-mandated tests and ensuring compliance. Deborah is dedicated to system improvement through data-driven strategies and effective project management.

Dr. Mary Klyap

Board Member
Dr. Mary Klyap is an accomplished educational leader with a Ph.D. in School Psychology and over two decades of experience in the Howard County Public School System. As the Coordinator of Data Literacy and Coaching, she champions the use of data for school improvement and equity. Dr. Klyap is a recognized expert in leveraging data for comprehensive educational change, from guiding student interventions to informing strategic planning.

Karen Hitch

Board Member
Karen Hitch is a dedicated educator with 28 years of experience in public education. She is the Supervisor of Assessments and Accountability for Wicomico County Public Schools, where she oversees educational assessments and accountability measures to support student achievement. Karen is also a key member of the WCPS Maryland Blueprint Steering Committee. A former Teacher of the Year, she remains committed to high-quality instruction and supporting new teachers.

Our History

Nearly 40 Years of Bridging Research & Practice
1985: Born in a Storm
The Meeting: Local coordinators, MSDE staff, and UMD department heads met in Ocean City to solve a problem: how to bridge the gap between state accountability and local practice. The Spark: Despite Hurricane Gloria hitting the coast, the founders persisted, officially forming MAG over spirited discussions. The first MAG conference was held in 1986 with exclusively district assessment staff.
1990: The Great Pivot
The Crisis: Budget cuts and state testing changes nearly derailed MAG, with attendance dropping to just 80 people. The Strategy: To save the mission, MAG moved the conference to November, established Ocean City as its permanent home, and opened its doors to teachers and curriculum leaders.
1991 – Present: Growth & Impact
The Surge: Attendance jumped from 80 to over 200 in just one year.
Today: MAG now serves as the premier space where LEAs, MSDE, and University researchers collaborate on the future of Maryland education. Focused professional learning strands that address current educational problems and provide collaboration, ideas, solutions, and innovation for all participants.