This initial report required by the Maryland Educational Accountability Act provides descriptive information to public officials and the general public about Maryland public schools. In the Report, the reader will find information about: the nature of the educational accountability effort thus far; the objectives of the Maryland State Department of Education; the instructional goals and objectives in reading, writing, and mathematics that have been agreed upon at the State level; the goals and objectives in the same areas established for each school system; demographic data for the State, local school systems, and schools; assessment data on ability and achievement summarized at the State ano school system levels; and assessment data on ability and achievement for each Maryland public school with grades 3, 5, 7, and 9. Iowa Tests of Basic Skills were used to assess achievement, and Cognitive Ability Tests were used to assess ability. Results showed, in general, Maryland's average performance in most of the achievement skill areas was slightly below the national average. Maryland's average performance in the ability areas showed a progressive increase through the grades. (Author)