Work group presses MSDE on transparency and asks for more time as staff circulates drafts with tight turnaround

Members of the MSDE Blueprint for Maryland’s Future special education work group pressed staff on process and timing after the agency outlined a compressed schedule to produce the group’s interim report.

One participant said staff summaries were not fully reflecting all recommendations raised by the group and emphasized that co‑chairs and members — not staff — should decide which recommendations to prioritize. MSDE staff responded that meeting takeaways and attached documents capture the group’s generated recommendations and that staff then draft language for the group to review and refine.

MSDE staff presented a proposed schedule: a draft to co‑chairs (Mon.), distribution to the full work group on Nov. 13, comments due by Nov. 15, internal review Nov. 15–20 and submission to Drs. Collins and Wright by Nov. 21 for a report due Dec. 1. A member called the two‑day review window for comments 'really frustrating' and urged more time and recurring small‑group meetings or subcommittees so members can work through substantive recommendations outside of plenary speaker slots.

MSDE offered to explore additional breakout rooms and convenings that would remain public via livestream while giving members more opportunity to collaborate between plenary meetings.

No formal vote or change to the schedule was recorded; staff said they will circulate draft language and the table of contents for the initial report and consider adjustments to meeting design based on member feedback.