State board votes to publish amendments tying National Board reimbursement to 'science of reading' criteria

The State Board of Education voted to allow the Maryland State Department of Education to publish amendments to COMAR 13A.07.06, the incentive and reimbursement program for National Board certification candidacy.

Kelly Meadows, MSDE staff, walked the board through proposed changes aligning the reimbursement program with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and with newly promulgated licensure regulations. The proposed eligibility rules require candidates seeking literacy‑related National Board certificates to demonstrate proficiency in the “science of reading,” which must include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Meadows said candidates may show proficiency by one of three routes: 1) a passing score on MSDE’s adopted assessment (Praxis TREE), 2) MSDE‑approved coursework or professional learning, or 3) an observation and attestation by an MSDE‑recognized assessor.

During the discussion period the board opened the floor for a motion to allow the department to publish the amendments. General Sumter moved the motion; Dr. Johnson seconded. There was no discussion on the floor; the board responded 'Aye' and the chair announced the motion carries.

MSDE staff framed the change as intended to set clearer expectations and increase the likelihood that National Board–funded pathways reinforce evidence‑based reading instruction. Staff said the publication step begins the formal regulatory notice period; the board's vote authorized the department to begin that process.