STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 - 2595

The State Board of Education has general control and supervision over public schools and the educational interests of the State. It sets policy for the administration of the public school system by adopting bylaws and regulations which have the force of law (Code Education Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-205). The Board, often through the State Superintendent of Schools, consults with and advises county boards of education, superintendents of schools and their staffs, principals, and teachers. It also mediates disputes arising from the twenty-four independent local school systems in Maryland.

With the advice and counsel of the State Superintendent of Schools, the State Board of Education sets standards for instruction in schools and for programs in public libraries and vocational rehabilitation. The Board also sets the standards for certification of teachers and other professional personnel and for requirements to graduate high school. If local school systems do not comply with State standards, the Board may recommend that State funds be withheld from those districts. For schools which consistently fail to improve in the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program, the Board, through the State Department of Education, also may intervene to help restructure their administration, organization, or instruction.

The Board has twelve members. Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, eleven serve four-year terms. A student member is appointed by the Governor to a one-year term.

STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The State Superintendent of Schools directs the State Department of Education and executes policy and enforces regulations adopted by the State Board of Education. Appointed by the Board, the Superintendent serves a four-year term (Code Education Article, secs. 2-301 through 2-303).

The State Superintendent of Schools serves as secretary-treasurer to the State Board of Education, chairs the Cabinet Council for Career and Technology Education and the Education Coordinating Council for Correctional Institutions, co-chairs the Safe Schools Interagency Steering Committee, and serves on the Governor's Executive Council, the Cabinet Council on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, and the Governor's Subcabinet for Children, Youth, and Families. The State Superintendent also serves on the Governor's Council on Adolescent Pregnancy; the State Child Fatality Review Team; the Advisory Committee for Children, Youth, and Families; the Education Coordinating Committee; the Maryland Education Council; the Maryland Higher Education Investment Program Board; the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs; the State Information Technology Board; the Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness; the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; the Maryland Advisory Council for New Americans; the Maryland Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families; the Governor's Pesticide Council; the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board; the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission; the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism; the State Coordinating Council (for residential placement of handicapped children); the Women's Health Promotion Council; and the Governor's Work Force Investment Board. In addition, the State Superintendent is a member of the Advisory Board on After-School Opportunity Programs; the Task Force on Drivers' Education Programs; and the Commission on Funding and Services for Gifted and Talented Student Education in Maryland.

Under the State Superintendent of Schools are two deputy superintendents. One is responsible for Administration, and one for School Improvement Services. The State Superintendent of Schools also directly oversees two divisions: Library Development and Services, and Rehabilitation Services.

DIVISION OF LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT & SERVICES

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Division of Library Development and Services began in 1946 as the Division of Library Extension. In 1969, it reorganized under its present name. As the State library agency, the Division administers State and federal programs to improve library services in public schools and libraries throughout the State (Code Education Article, secs. 23-102 through 23-105).

Under the Division are two branches: Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; and Public Libraries and State Networking. The Maryland Advisory Council on Libraries advises the Division.

MARYLAND STATE LIBRARY FOR THE BLIND & PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

415 Park Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21201 - 3603

The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped opened in 1968. The Library serves eligible blind and physically handicapped residents of Maryland. It is the Maryland regional library under the National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped of the Library of Congress.

Through the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, those who are legally blind, visually limited, physically limited, or reading disabled may borrow books and recordings. These include books in braille or with large type, and recordings on discs and cassettes.

The Library has one subregional branch, the Special Needs Library.

SPECIAL NEEDS LIBRARY
6400 Democracy Blvd.
Bethesda, MD 20817

The Special Needs Library started in 1972. The Library serves the blind and physically handicapped residents of Montgomery County. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES & STATE NETWORKING BRANCH

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Origins of the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch trace to 1902 when the State Library Commission was created (Chapter 47, Acts of 1902). Commission responsibilities for public library development were assigned to the Office of Public Libraries under the State Board of Education in 1935, and to the Division of Library Extension from 1947 to 1971. Within the Division of Library Development and Services, the Public Libraries Branch was formed in 1971 and renamed the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch in 1988. The Branch provides leadership and technical assistance to improve library service.

The Branch oversees the State Library Network through which Maryland residents obtain library materials and gain access to information not available in their local library. The Network provides interlibrary loan, direct lending of materials, technical assistance to libraries, and staff training. More than 400 Maryland libraries participate in the State Library Network. These include public, university, college and community college libraries. Centered at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, the Network is aided by three regional resource centers: the Eastern Shore Regional Resource Center (Salisbury); Southern Maryland Regional Library Association (Charlotte Hall); and the Western Maryland Public Libraries Regional Resource Center (Hagerstown) (Code Education Article, secs. 23-201, 23-202).

DIVISION OF REHABILITATION SERVICES

2301 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218

In 1929, the Division of Rehabilitation Services began as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. In 1992, it received its present name (Chapter 42, Acts of 1992).

The Division of Rehabilitation Services helps enable persons with physical or mental disabilities to live and work independently (Code Education Article, sec. 21-303). Through five regional offices and twenty-two local offices, the Division provides medical and vocational evaluation, counseling and guidance, and training in vocations and independent-living skills. These offices give reader and interpreter services, physical and mental restoration, and rehabilitation engineering. They help persons with disabilities find and keep jobs. Through supported employment, the offices monitor clients' job performance and provide on-the-job training and coaching. They also assist former clients, as needed, who are employed.

The Interagency State Plan for Transitioning Students with Disabilities is developed and implemented by the Division (Chapter 435, Acts of 1995). To coordinate postgraduate services to students with disabilities, Division staff work with other divisions; the Department of Business and Economic Development; the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; and the Office for Individuals with Disabilities.

Under the Division are Disability Determination Services, and three offices: Business Support Services; Client Services; and Program and Community Support. The Division is aided by the Maryland State Rehabilitation Council.

OFFICE OF BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

The Office of Business Support Services formed as Program and Administrative Support Services and received its current name in January 1997. This office helps provide vocational rehabilitation throughout the State and also administers the Maryland Vending Program for the Blind.

OFFICE OF CLIENT SERVICES

At 22 local offices and the Maryland Rehabilitation Center, the Office of Client Services provides counseling, physical restoration, vocational training, and job placement. The office serves persons with severe disabilities and secures competitive employment for them.

MARYLAND REHABILITATION CENTER
Located in northeast Baltimore, the Maryland Rehabilitation Center opened in 1972. The Center offers vocational and functional assessments, vocational training in 16 vocational fields, independent-living skills training, support services, residential assistance, job placement, and rehabilitation technology services. Also, the Center advises employers on the workplace needs of persons with disabilities.

DISABILITY DETERMINATION SERVICES

P. O. Box 6338
170 West Ridgely Road, Suite 310
Baltimore, MD 21204 - 6338

Established in 1955, Disability Determination Services adjudicates claims for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (Title II) and Supplemental Security Income (Title XVI). The office provides direct access to rehabilitation for persons with disabilities through expedited referrals to Client Services. Under contract with the federal Social Security Administration, the Division of Rehabilitation Services administers the program.

ADMINISTRATION

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Administration oversees the Audit Office, and three divisions: Business Services; Certification and Accreditation; and Planning, Results, and Information Management.

DIVISION OF BUSINESS SERVICES

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Division of Business Services was organized in 1992 from the Office of Administration and Finance. The Division oversees seven branches: Accounting; Administrative Services; Budget; Human Resource Management; Nutrition and Transportation Services; Program and Finance Coordination; and School Facilities.

NUTRITION & TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BRANCH

In 1981, the Nutrition and Transportation Services Branch began when programs for food service and pupil transportation were merged within the Department. Besides working with Maryland's twenty-four public school systems, the Branch helps nearly 700 public and nonprofit private agencies feed children and adults in approximately 7,000 schools, family day-care homes, child- and adult-care centers, and other sites throughout the State. The Branch also offers nutrition education and training. In addition, the Branch administers seven federal food and nutrition programs:

Transportation of pupils to and from public schools is supervised by the Branch. Data on the number of pupils transported and on school bus accidents also is compiled by the Branch. Moreover, the Branch helps school systems test school bus drivers for drug or alcohol use.

SCHOOL FACILITIES BRANCH

The School Facilities Branch helps local school systems plan capital improvements, and sets guidelines and standards for school design, construction, and management. The Branch oversees approval by the State Superintendent of Schools for locally funded school construction. The Branch also collects and analyzes data on energy use in each public school and represents the Department on the Interagency Committee on School Construction.

DIVISION OF CERTIFICATION & ACCREDITATION

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Created in 1970, the Division of Certification and Accreditation certifies teachers and other professional personnel; oversees the preparation and assessment of candidates for principalship; and approves the educational programs of nonpublic schools. Under the Division are three branches: Certification; Nonpublic School Approval; and Program Approval and Assessment.

CERTIFICATION BRANCH

The Certification Branch formed in 1981 as the Teacher Education and Certification Branch and received its present name in 1994. The Branch certifies teachers, specialists, and administrators in public schools, and in approved schools operated by State agencies.

NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS APPROVAL BRANCH

As the Nonpublic Schools Accreditation Branch, the Nonpublic Schools Approval Branch started in 1948. It adopted its present name in 1994.

The Branch approves the educational programs of nonpublic nursery schools, kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools, secondary schools, schools for the disabled, and programs in facilities licensed by other State agencies, such as the Department of Juvenile Justice. These programs must conform to Maryland law and to State Board of Education regulations. The Branch also registers nonpublic church schools that are exempt from education regulations, and church education boards that supervise schooling at home by parents who, due to philosophical differences, do not want to be overseen by local boards of education. Annually, the Branch publishes the Directory of Approved Nonpublic Schools in the State of Maryland.

PROGRAM APPROVAL & ASSESSMENT BRANCH

The Program Approval and Assessment Branch began in 1981 as a part of the Teacher Education and Certification Branch and reorganized under its present name in 1994. The Program Approval and Assessment Branch evaluates and approves programs to educate teachers and prepare other professionally certified personnel. The Branch also coordinates assessments of teachers and principals.

DIVISION OF PLANNING, RESULTS, & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Duties of the Division of Planning, Results, and Information Management started in 1921 when the Bureau of Educational Measurements formed within the State Department of Education. By 1945, the Division of Finance, Statistics, and Educational Measurements replaced the Bureau. The Division was renamed Division of Finance and Research in 1949, Division of Research and Development by 1963, and Division of Research, Evaluation and Information Systems by 1971. The Division of Administration assumed information system functions by 1979, as did the Division of Administration and Finance by 1983. The Office of Management Information Systems emerged in 1987 and was replaced by the Division of Planning, Results, and Information Management in 1992.

The Division administers the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program and other student assessment tests. For the Department, the Division provides information technology services, including design and maintenance of computer hardware and software. It also conducts evaluation and statistical services, and research for the Department. Annually, the Division produces the Maryland School Performance Report.

Under the Division are four branches: Assessment; Information Management; Information Technology; and Planning.

ASSESSMENT BRANCH

Formerly within the Division of Instruction, the Assessment Branch joined the Division of Planning, Results, and Information Management in 1994. The Branch conducts the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program. Established in 1989 by the State Board of Education, the Program evaluates local education. Each spring, students in grades 3, 5, and 8 are tested in reading, mathematics, writing, language, science, and social studies. Students must be able to apply this knowledge to solve problems

Other student achievement tests also are overseen by the Branch. The Functional Testing Program tests students in reading, writing, mathematics, and citizenship. To graduate from high school, students must pass tests in basic skills. Beginning with the class of 2005, the High School Assessment Program will test students after they complete required courses in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. These tests will replace functional tests as a requirement for graduation from high school. The Norm-Referenced Testing Program uses the California Test of Basic Skills 5 to evaluate children in grades 2, 4, and 6. Their scores are compared with the performance of students in the same grade nationwide.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT BRANCH

The Information Management Branch began as the Statistical Services Branch. Renamed Results Branch, it was placed under the Division of Planning, Results, and Information Management in 1992. The Branch adopted its present name in 1999. The Branch collects and compiles data from local school systems for local, State and federal reports, including the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program Report. Annually, the Branch reports (by school system) on curriculum, staffing, students, facilities, and finance. The Branch also compiles data on students taught at home and through correspondence courses.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BRANCH

In 1971, the Information Technology Branch was created as the Information Processing Branch. It received its present name in 1999. The Branch oversees the Department's information processing operations and expenditures.

PLANNING BRANCH

The Planning Branch organized in 1992. The Branch develops the budget and monitors projects in the Division. The Branch also helps develop and administer tests, score them, and report the results for the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SERVICES OFFICE

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The School Improvement Services Office started in 1988 when the Bureau of Educational Development formed. The Bureau reorganized as the School Improvement Services Office in 1992.

The Office oversees the Office of Research and Development, and four divisions, Career Technology and Adult Learning; Instruction and Staff Development; Special Education and Early Intervention Services; and Student and School Services.

OFFICE OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Office of Research and Development was created in 1989 as the Office of Maryland School Performance. Under the School Improvement Services Office, it reorganized in 1993 as the School Performance, Product, and Service Development Office. In 1994, it became School Performance: Research and Development and adopted its present name in July 1997.

The Office investigates ways to improve public education. It holds schools accountable to State standards and tests students on what they have learned. The Office is developing the high school assessment component of the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program to test students on math, English, science, and social studies. It also will measure their ability to learn independently, think critically, communicate orally and in writing, work cooperatively, and use computers. These tests will begin in the year 2000.

Award programs which recognize innovation and excellence, such as the Maryland Teacher of the Year, are administered by this office.

GOALS 2000 PROGRAM
The Goals 2000 Program began in 1995 when the State Superintendent of Schools formed the Strategic Planning Unit to conduct short- and long-term planning for Department divisions. The Unit in 1997 was renamed Grants and Goals 2000. In May 1999, it became Goals 2000 Program and transferred to the Office of Research and Development.

This unit identifies critical issues in education and finds ways to use departmental resources effectively. It oversees State plans to meet national education goals set in the Goals 2000 Educate America Act (P.L. 103-227) passed by the U.S. Congress in 1994. The unit also administers the Schools for Success and Goals 2000 Program which awards funds to local school systems for school improvement.

DIVISION OF CAREER TECHNOLOGY & ADULT LEARNING

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning started as the Division of Vocational Education by 1950. Renamed the Division of Vocational-Technical Education in 1968, and the Division of Career and Technology Education in 1991, it received its present name in 1992.

Career and technology education, and adult learning are overseen by the Division. For State and federal occupational programs, the Division develops and recommends to the State Superintendent of Schools policies, guidelines, and services. The Division also helps local school systems and educational agencies, institutions, businesses, industries, and community organizations plan and evaluate their education and training programs. In both public and private institutions, Division programs are offered to students of all ages.

Under the Division are the Correctional Education Program, and four branches: Adult Education and Literacy Services; Career and Technology Education Instructional; Career and Technology Education Student/Partners; and Career and Technology Education Systems.

ADULT EDUCATION & LITERACY SERVICES BRANCH

In 1980, the Adult Education and Literacy Services Branch formed as the Adult and Community Education Branch. Renamed the Adult Services Branch in 1992, it became the Adult Education and Literacy Services Branch in 1993.

The Branch designs, tests, and runs literacy and instructional programs for adults. Classes in basic skills are offered in designated schools, during and after regular school hours. In addition to its basic and general adult education programs, the Branch also oversees the Homeless Adult Literacy Program, which teaches reading at homeless shelters and soup kitchens; Project LEAP (Labor Education Achievement Program), which provides instruction at work sites and union halls; and the Maryland Adult External Diploma Program, an alternative means for adults to get a high school diploma through assessment of their skills and competency. The Literacy Works Program, an interagency plan to eliminate illiteracy in Maryland by the year 2000, and the Maryland State Adult Literacy Dissemination Center, which tracks the progress of students and programs, conducts workshops and seminars, and distributes resource material, also are overseen by the Branch.

The Branch administers the General Education Development (G.E.D.) Testing Program. This program helps individuals attain a Maryland high school diploma. Tests are given on the second Saturday of every month at twenty-one test centers throughout the State. Applications to take the test are available from the General Education Development Branch or the adult education center of each local school system.

For students ages 5 to 20, the School-Community Centers Program coordinates recreation and supplementary education before and after school. Other educational, vocational, employment and recreational programs are provided locally to youth and adults by the Multi-Service Community Center Program.

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL BRANCH

The Career and Technology Education Instructional Branch began in 1981 as the Program Development and Operations Branch. In 1992, it was renamed the Career and Technology Services Branch. In 1995, the Branch assumed functions of the School-to-Work Transition Services Branch and reorganized as the Career Connection Branch. Renamed the Career Technology Instructional Services Branch in 1997, it received its present name July 1, 1997.

Local school systems are assisted with career and technology education by the Branch. Programs cover agriculture, business and office education, consumer education, distribution and marketing, entrepreneurship, health occupations, home economics, postsecondary and adult programs, technology, teen parenting, trade and industry, and youth organizations. With local schools, the Branch also works on curriculum, and programs for students who are disadvantaged, or have disabilities or a limited command of English.

The Branch helps local school systems and community colleges teach students how to choose and prepare for a career. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through grade 12, students are introduced to different careers. Programs cover apprenticeships, career academies, and other school- and work-based projects. The Branch assists with programs on sex equity, single parents, displaced homemakers, and community organization projects.

CAREER & TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION SYSTEMS BRANCH

The Career and Technology Education Systems Branch organized in 1981 as the Support Services Branch. Renamed the Administrative Support Services Branch in 1992, it became the Program Support Services Branch in 1993; and the Career Technology Systems Support Branch in 1997. It reformed under its present name July 1, 1997.

Local school systems, community colleges, the Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning, and other State agencies are helped by the Bureau to develop, finance, and administer career and technology education. The Branch also assists them with data analysis.

CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

In 1976, the State Department of Education first collaborated with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on the Correctional Education Program. Administration and funding of correctional education transferred to the State Department of Education in 1978 (Chapter 22, Acts of 1978). The Program joined the Division of Career Technology and Adult Learning in 1992.

The Correctional Education Program offers academic and vocational instruction and library services to prisoners under the Division of Correction in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Instruction emphasizes preparation for the General Education Development (G.E.D.) examination. Inmates passing this exam are awarded high school diplomas. Within prisons, the Program also coordinates services of postsecondary institutions and other educational agencies. The Program does not oversee educational programs for delinquent youth. These are administered by the Program Improvement and Family Support Branch of the Division of Student and School Services.

DIVISION OF INSTRUCTION & STAFF DEVELOPMENT

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

In 1945, the Division of Instruction and Staff Development began as the Division of Instruction, although its earliest duties have been carried out by the Department since 1920. The Division received its present name in 1994.

For public schools, the Division formulates guidelines for curriculum to be approved by the State Superintendent of Schools. Guidelines also set standards for educational programs of State agencies. For the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program, the Division monitors education programs.

The Division approves plans to reform schools that receive help from the Challenge System Initiative or through Carnegie Foundation grants. With the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Division sets standards and guidelines for school health programs. The Division also trains staff; audits programs; and sponsors conferences on curriculum and learning.

Under the Division are nine branches: Arts and Sciences; Equity Assurance and Compliance; Instructional Development, Enrichment, and Advancement; Instructional Technology; Language Development and Early Learning; Middle and High School Learning and Cross-Department Programs; Reconstituted Schools Branch; School Library Media Services; and Staff Development.

ARTS & SCIENCES BRANCH

The Arts and Sciences Branch started as the General Curriculum Branch and received its present name in 1989. The Branch helps local school systems develop curriculum for environmental education, the fine arts, health and safety, mathematics, physical education, science, and social studies. It designs, disseminates, and conducts programs for staff development in these areas as well.

EQUITY ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE BRANCH

As the Office of Equal Opportunity, the Equity Assurance and Compliance Branch organized in 1976. In 1993, it was placed within the Division of Instruction, later the Division of Instruction and Staff Development. The Branch gives technical aid to local school systems for school desegregation. Staff provide training on issues of disability, gender, national origin, and race as they relate to instruction, classroom management, accessibility to facilities and programs, group and personal relations, and employment. The Branch also implements State regulations on multicultural education, assignment of personnel, and pupil integration.

INSTRUCTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ENRICHMENT, & ADVANCEMENT BRANCH

The Instructional Development, Enrichment, and Advancement Branch oversees State programs for gifted and talented students; comprehensive health education; physical education; and athletics.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT & EARLY LEARNING BRANCH

In 1989, the Language Development and Early Learning Branch was created. To promote learning and language development in young children (ages 4 through 9), the Branch designs, tests, and implements programs for effective teaching. The Language Development Section devises programs for English language arts, foreign languages, and bilingual education. The Early Learning Section provides technical assistance and monitors programs for primary education; school readiness assessment; parent involvement; child care for school children; and early identification of and intervention for children who begin kindergarten disadvantaged due to learning disabilities or socioeconomic factors.

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL LEARNING & CROSS-DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS BRANCH

The Middle and High School Learning and Cross-Department Programs and Projects Unit was established in 1995. Reorganized as the Middle and High School Learning and Cross-Department Programs Branch in 1996, the Branch coordinates programs involving other Department divisions. These include the Core Learning Program, High School Graduation Requirements, Middle and High School Learning, and Year-Round Schools.

MARYLAND STUDENT SERVICE ALLIANCE
Through the Maryland Student Service Alliance, the Branch helps local schools provide opportunities for students to serve their community. In Maryland, such service has been mandated for high school graduation since 1997. Formed in 1988, the Alliance also approves local plans for new community service programs in high schools.

RECONSTITUTED SCHOOLS BRANCH

Organized in 1994, the Challenge and Reconstituted Schools Unit became Reconstituted Schools Branch in 1996 within the Division of Instruction and Staff Development.

The Branch oversees the Challenge System Initiative. Through financial and technical support, the Initiative helps schools improve their scores in the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (Code Education Article, sec. 5-202.2).

Under the School Reconstitution Program, the Branch monitors local plans to improve schools which have poor and declining scores in the Assessment Program. Plans outline reforms in school administration, curriculum, and staff. If local efforts fail and the State Board of Education approves, the Branch oversees State intervention to improve these schools (COMAR 13A.01.04.07).

SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA SERVICES BRANCH

The School Library Media Services Branch originated in 1968 as the Office of School Libraries and Instructional Materials Services. The Office reorganized as the School Library Media Services Section in 1970, as the School Library Media Services Branch in 1978; and became the School Library Media Services and State Media Services Branch in 1987. Formerly within the Division of Library Development and Services, the Branch joined the Division of Instruction and Staff Development in 1995 and was renamed the School Library Media Services Branch in 1997.

The Branch helps public and private schools use school library media in print, audiovisual and electronic formats. The Branch also helps schools use electronic information technology in teaching. For Department staff, the State Media Center provides information and audiovisual services.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT BRANCH

Within the Division of Certification and Accreditation, the Staff Development Branch formed in 1981. In 1994, the Branch became part of the Division of Instruction and Staff Development. The Branch oversees regional staff development centers serving the Eastern Shore, Baltimore City, Prince George's County, and western Maryland. It also is responsible for the Instructional Framework System; School Improvement Leadership Training, and Technical Assistance and Support Teams Training; and State-Aided Institutions Grants.

DIVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION & EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

Established in 1978 as the Division of Special Education, the Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services received its present name in April 1999. The Division works with parents and local school systems to educate all children and youth with disabilities. The Division assists local school systems with early childhood programs, individual education plans, nondiscriminatory testing, personnel development, and program evaluation. It also supervises education in approved public and private institutions and assesses the educational needs of children with profound or complex disabilities.

Administering both State and federal programs for special education, the Division directs five branches: Community and Interagency Services; Infants and Toddlers Program and Preschool Services; Instructional Support and Staff Development; Program Administration and Support; and Program Evaluation and Compliance.

COMMUNITY & INTERAGENCY SERVICES BRANCH

The Community and Interagency Services Branch began as the Nonpublic Schools Branch in 1978 and adopted its present name in July 1997.

Through the Nonpublic Tuition Assistance Program, the Branch partially reimburses local school systems for the cost of educating children with disabilities in private schools with programs that meet their special needs. The Branch ensures that the children are placed in regular classrooms or in programs that encourage their independence. To ensure compliance with State and federal regulations, the Branch monitors day and residential schools.

With the State Coordinating Council, the Branch reviews all residential placements of special education students in out-of-state private schools. It also cooperates with the Office of Children, Youth, and Families and other State agencies to expand community programs so that children with disabilities may return from out of state to regular classrooms in Maryland.

INFANTS & TODDLERS PROGRAM & PRESCHOOL SERVICES BRANCH

Initiated by the State Department of Education, the Infants and Toddlers Program transferred to the Office for Children, Youth, and Families in 1990 (Chapter 419, Acts of 1990). When the Infants and Toddlers Program moved from the Office for Children, Youth, and Families back to the State Department of Education, the Infants and Toddlers Program and Preschool Services Branch formed within the Division of Special Education July 1, 1997 (Chapter 386, Acts of 1997).

The Infants and Toddlers Program and Preschool Services Branch helps infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. In 1988, the State Department of Education was designated by the Governor to administer the federal Early Intervention Program in Maryland (Executive Order 01.01.1988.15). The Early Intervention Program concerns youngsters from birth through age three. It provides health and medical services, family training, counseling, and specialized child care (federal Education of the Handicapped Act; P.L. 99-457). The Branch also supports preschool special education for children, ages three to five (Code Education Article, sec. 8-416).

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT & STAFF DEVELOPMENT BRANCH

In 1978, the Instructional Support and Staff Development Branch originated as the Program Development and Assistance Branch. It reorganized under its present name in July 1997.

The Comprehensive System of Personnel Development is a responsibility of the Branch. Under the System, the Branch trains, technically aids, and advises local school systems and State programs on promising educational practices in special education. It also develops print and video materials for them. In addition, the Branch trains the hearing officers from the Office of Administrative Hearings who hear disputes between parents and local school systems over placement of children with disabilities.

The Branch works on projects concerned with students who are deaf or hard of hearing, visually impaired, or both deaf and blind; and early childhood and transitioning. Through the American Printing House for the Blind, for example, the Branch administers the federally funded quota system for educational materials for visually impaired students. The Branch also implements initiatives on the Least Restrictive Environment, the Seriously Emotionally Disturbed, and Learning Disabilities.

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT BRANCH

The Program Administration and Support Branch started as the Program Administration and Evaluation Branch in 1978 and received its present name in 1992. The Branch works with local school systems to provide special education. It also helps prepare federal, State and local plans, programs, and budgets for special education. For children with disabilities, the Branch monitors local programs and coordinates training for their parents. The Branch also oversees the Principals' Academy, which consists of professional development institutes sponsored by the Division.

PROGRAM EVALUATION & COMPLIANCE BRANCH

In April 1998, the Program Evaluation and Compliance Branch formed. It monitors special education services in local schools, at the Maryland School for the Blind, the Maryland School for the Deaf; and other State-operated programs.

The Branch enforces due process regulations under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (P.L. 101-476). These regulations set procedural safeguards for children and their parents to ensure that fair, reasonable and appropriate special programs are provided to them. In the placement of children with disabilities, the Branch monitors local hearing procedures and implements procedures for State hearings by the Office of Administrative Hearings. It also investigates and resolves complaints about special education placements in nonpublic schools and due process procedures.

DIVISION OF STUDENT & SCHOOL SERVICES

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

The Division of Student and School Services originated in 1972 as the Division of Compensatory, Urban, and Supplemental Programs. It became the Division of Compensatory Education and Support Services in 1988, and was renamed Division of Student and School Services in 1999. The Division administers and supervises federal and State programs to educate children who may fail academically due to social or economic disadvantages (P.L. 103-382; Code Education Article, secs. 5-204; 5-206; 5-207; 8-101 through 8-107).

The Division is responsible for the Office of Comprehensive Planning and School Support, and three branches: Family Involvement and Dropout Intervention; Program Improvement and Family Support; and Student Services and Alternative Programs.

FAMILY INVOLVEMENT & DROPOUT INTERVENTION BRANCH

The Family Involvement and Dropout Intervention Branch started as the Career and Employability Development Branch in 1989. It received its present name in 1995. The Branch helps local agencies and school systems find ways to involve parents in their children's education and discourage young people from leaving school. The Branch seeks to encourage school attendance and ease the transition from school to work. To these ends, the Branch administers the High School Drop-out Program and Middle School Drop-out Prevention Program.

PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT & FAMILY SUPPORT BRANCH

In 1988, the Program Improvement and Family Support Branch began as the Compensatory and Migrant Education Branch. Renamed Compensatory Education Branch in 1995, it received its present name in 1999. The Branch helps local school systems and other agencies design education programs for disadvantaged children. For students in high poverty areas, the Branch supplements instruction and devises ways to increase family literacy. Schools are aided by the Branch to hire extra teachers, buy additional equipment and materials, teach before and after school, and train staff. The Branch funds education for neglected and delinquent youth in juvenile detention centers and adult prisons.

STUDENT SERVICES & ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS BRANCH

The Student Services and Alternative Programs Branch formed in 1966 as the Pupil Services Branch. It was renamed Pupil Services and Drug-Free Schools Branch in 1992. It resumed its former name in 1995 and became the Student Services and Alternative Programs Branch in 1999. The Branch assists local school systems with programs to improve the emotional, mental and physical well-being of students. These include child abuse and youth suicide prevention; drug and alcohol abuse prevention and intervention; health services; school guidance and psychology; and teen pregnancy and parenting. To schools with disruptive students or students who may not complete high school, the Branch allocates federal and State funds. Funds help pupil personnel directors reduce truancy; provide alternative education and develop home instruction guides for children absent from school. The Branch also works to educate homeless children and youth.

The Rural School Nurses Program is overseen by the Branch. Through this program, matching funds are provided to Maryland's seven poorest counties for hiring school nurses. In schools, nurses attend to the general health of students, health education, and drug abuse prevention.

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