The Maryland State Board of Education: Shaping Educational Policy and Standards

The Maryland State Board of Education plays a crucial role in overseeing and guiding the state's public education system. Tasked with ensuring quality education for all students, the Board sets policies, establishes standards, and resolves disputes within the educational landscape. This article delves into the structure, responsibilities, and key functions of the Maryland State Board of Education, drawing upon the Education Article of the Maryland Code and various historical and organizational details.

Overview of the State Department of Education

In Maryland, the State Department of Education holds the primary responsibility for the general care and supervision of public education. This department is composed of the State Superintendent of Schools, who is appointed by the State Board of Education, and a professional staff employed by the Board to support the Superintendent in their duties. The State Department of Education operates out of the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building in Baltimore, Maryland.

Historical Context and Evolution

The State Board of Education has a long history, dating back to its organization in 1864. It underwent a reformation in 1870, emerging as the Board of State School Commissioners. Throughout its existence, the Board has consistently held the responsibility of overseeing public schools and educational initiatives within the state.

Composition and Appointment of Board Members

The State Board of Education consists of fourteen members. Thirteen of these members are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and serve four-year terms. Additionally, one student member is appointed by the Governor for a one-year term. Recent changes in legislation have added two more positions to the Board: one teacher elected by certified teachers in the State and then appointed by the Governor, and one parent appointed by the Governor from a list of three names submitted by the Maryland Parent Teacher Association.

Powers and Duties of the State Board of Education

The State Board of Education possesses broad authority over public schools and the educational interests of Maryland. Its primary functions include:

Setting Policy: The Board establishes policies for the administration of the public school system by adopting bylaws and regulations, which have the force of law.
Consultation and Advice: 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.
Establishing Standards: With the advice and counsel of the State Superintendent of Schools, the State Board of Education sets standards for instruction in schools and requirements for high school graduation. The Board also sets standards for programs in public libraries and vocational rehabilitation.
Ensuring Compliance: The Board has the authority to recommend that State funds be withheld from local school systems that do not comply with State standards. For schools that consistently fail to improve, the Board, through the State Department of Education, may intervene to help restructure their administration, organization, or instruction.
Resolving Disputes: The Board resolves disputes across Marylandâs 24 school systems through an appeal process.
Budget Oversight: The State Board reviews and approves three annual budgets: the Department of Education headquarters budget, the state aid to the local education budget, and the state-aided institutions budgetâbefore forwarding them to the governor and General Assembly for final action.

Specific Powers and Duties as Defined by the Education Article

According to the Education Article of the Maryland Code, the State Board has specific powers and duties, including:

Determining the elementary and secondary educational policies of the State.
Ensuring that the provisions of the Education Article within its jurisdiction are carried out.
Adopting bylaws, rules, and regulations for the administration of public schools, which have the force of law when adopted and published. These apply to each county, except for matters related to Baltimore City that are subject to other provisions of the Article.
Instituting legal proceedings to enforce the provisions of the Education Article within its jurisdiction and the bylaws, rules, and regulations adopted by the Board.
Explaining the true intent and meaning of the provisions of the Education Article within its jurisdiction and the bylaws, rules, and regulations adopted by the Board, with the advice of the Attorney General.
Deciding all controversies and disputes under these provisions, with the decision of the Board being final.
Exercising general control and supervision over the public schools and educational interests of the State through the State Superintendent.
Consulting with and advising county boards, county superintendents and their staffs, principals, teachers, and interested citizens through the State Superintendent.
Directing and developing public sentiment in support of public education.
Establishing basic policy and guidelines for the program of instruction for the public schools, with the advice of the State Superintendent.
Requiring the establishment of criteria in each county for the selection of applicants for enrollment in public secondary school career and technology education programs.

The Role of the State Superintendent of Schools

The State Superintendent of Schools is appointed by the Board to a four-year term and serves as the secretary-treasurer of the Board. The Superintendent directs the State Department of Education, executes policy, and enforces regulations adopted by the State Board of Education.

The State Superintendent also holds positions on various councils and committees, including the Governor's Executive Council, the Children's Cabinet, the School Safety Subcabinet, and the Superintendent's Family Engagement Council. These affiliations allow the Superintendent to influence policy and advocate for educational initiatives across different sectors of state government.

Advisory Boards and Councils

The State Superintendent of Schools is assisted by several advisory boards and councils that provide expertise and guidance on specific areas of education. These include:

State Early Childhood Advisory Council: Coordinates the work of early childhood care and education programs and submits a statewide strategic report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Superintendent of Schools.
Superintendent's Family Involvement Council: Researches best practices for educating gifted and talented students and advises the State Superintendent of Schools on developing, implementing, and monitoring programs for these students.
Council on Physical Fitness: Works with local school systems to develop and coordinate programs that stress to students the importance of physical activity.
P-TECH Work Group: Oversees implementation of P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) in Maryland and compiles the annual report due December 1 from the Department to the Governor and General Assembly.

Divisions within the State Department of Education

The State Department of Education is organized into various divisions, each responsible for specific functions and areas of expertise. These divisions include:

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Division of Assessment, Accountability, and Performance Reporting: Develops, administers, scores, reports, and monitors student assessment tests. It also conducts evaluation and statistical services, and research for the Department. The Division produces the Maryland School Performance Report annually.
Division of Educator Certification and Program Approval: Responsible for the certification of educators and the approval of educational programs.
Office of Communications and Community Engagement: Develops corporate and other partnerships, secures underwriting and other grants for programs not funded by the State or federal government, and develops special programs. It also administers award programs which recognize innovation and excellence, such as the Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Office of Government Relations: Represents the Department's interests before the Maryland General Assembly and other government entities.
Office of Research: Designs and conducts research projects that provide data for decisionmaking within the State Department of Education, its divisions, and local school systems.

Student Assessment Programs

The State Department of Education oversees several student assessment programs to measure student achievement and ensure accountability. These programs include:

Maryland School Assessment (MSA): Tests students in grades 3, 5, and 8 for reading and mathematics, and students in grade 10 for reading. Since 2008, students have been tested for science achievement.
Alternate Maryland School Assessment (AMSA): Provides an alternative to statewide assessments for students with significant cognitive disabilities, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
High School Assessment (HSA) Program: Tests students who have completed required courses in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. These tests replaced functional tests as a requirement for graduation from high school.
Modified High School Assessment Program: Offers an alternative path for students who, after two attempts, do not pass High School Assessment exams. This path is called the Bridge Plan for Academic Validation, and it allows students to complete projects which demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

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