State Board halts publication of COMAR reading regulation after MSEA public comment; MSDE to rework rules

Cheryl Bose, president of the Maryland State Education Association, told a state-level MSDE advisory board that proposed COMAR language tying National Board incentive funding to a demonstration of the “science of reading” would create an unnecessary barrier for educators seeking National Board certification.

“We see this regulation as setting up a barrier for many educators,” Bose said during the public-comment portion, arguing the change would delay or prevent some teachers from advancing on the career ladder and accessing associated salary enhancements.

MSDE staff replied that the State Board of Education had heard those concerns. “Those are the regulations that codify the processes related to the National Board Incentive Program,” Kelly said, and “the State Board of Education … withdrew their permission to publish the regulations” after receiving public comment and legal concerns. Kelly said MSDE will continue conversations with the National Board and return reworked regulations for consultation after administrative timing permits.

Kelly also clarified that the reading demonstration requirement was introduced by the State Board in regulation and is not a statutory requirement. She told members the regulations as adopted and published will become effective April 1, 2024, and that MSDE will issue guidance and policy memoranda explaining renewal and transition options to certificated educators. For current certificate holders, MSDE said educators will have one full validity/renewal period to meet prior renewal requirements or to choose the new PDP-based renewal path; after that, renewals will be subject to the new regulatory requirements.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve November meeting minutes: moved SEG 1330, seconded Dr. Taylor (SEG 1333); approved without objection (SEG 1341–1344).

What happens next
MSDE staff said they will rework the withdrawn regulatory language, continue discussions with the State Board and the National Board, and publish policy guidance and website materials describing options and timelines for educators during the transition. The department expects to bring revised language back for board consultation after moratorium/timing constraints are satisfied.