Maryland officials criticized for lack of accountability in special education standards

The Maryland State Board of Education convened on March 28, 2023, to address critical issues surrounding educational standards, accountability, and the needs of students with disabilities. The meeting featured a series of presentations and public comments that highlighted significant concerns regarding the Maryland State Department of Education's (MSDE) effectiveness in overseeing local education authorities (LEAs).

The session began with a presentation criticizing MSDE for its lack of state standards to hold LEAs accountable for instructional quality. The speaker emphasized that while MSDE provides extensive assistance to LEAs, it fails to establish fundamental requirements that ensure a baseline of educational practices. This sentiment was echoed by Governor Moore's transition team, which recommended the establishment of new state-level standards to enhance accountability in education.

Following this, Sharon Saroff raised concerns about graduation rates, particularly for students with disabilities. She argued that the current system allows students to progress through grades without adequate support, urging the board to create a work group focused on improving educational outcomes for these students. Saroff emphasized the need for collaboration between parents and school districts to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary instruction to succeed.

Liz Zogby, representing the Education Accountability and Implementation Board, echoed these concerns, calling for a comprehensive review of special education instruction and the establishment of clear guidelines for LEAs. Zogby criticized MSDE's recent blueprint implementation plan as lacking specificity and urgency, stating that the data available identifies problems but does not provide actionable solutions.

Cecilia Gonzales, a community organizer from Southwest Baltimore, highlighted the disconnect between educational policies and community experiences. She criticized the timing of school closure announcements, which left little room for community response, and pointed out the deterioration of school facilities during the transition process. Gonzales called for improved communication and engagement with families to address the challenges faced by students and their communities.

The meeting concluded with a clear call for action from various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for MSDE to establish concrete standards and accountability measures to improve educational outcomes for all students, particularly those with disabilities. The board's next steps will likely involve further discussions on how to implement these recommendations and address the concerns raised during the meeting.