Under a legislative mandate, the Maryland Higher Education Commission is required to update the State Plan for Postsecondary Education every 2 years. This is the first update of the State Plan. This update is not a new plan, but a reflective report on the progress made and the new issues that have arisen since the State Plan was approved in June 2000. Since the adoption of the plan, a number of significant activities have occurred. The state of Maryland entered into a Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, to improve the educational opportunities for African Americans in Maryland's higher education system. The postsecondary education community has been involved in continuous dialogue concerning each one of the 8 goals of the State Plan over the 12-month study period. A performance accountability system consisting of individualized goals, objectives, and measures used for assessing progress was adopted. Since 2000, a comprehensive review and reassessment of mission statements occurred, funding guidelines were adopted, and the Task Force To Study College Readiness for Disadvantaged and Capable Students issued its final report and recommendations on academic preparation, teacher preparation, and financial aid. A comprehensive study of the state's financial aid programs was also conducted, which included recommendations consistent with the Task Force on College Readiness. (SLD)