Maryland panel addresses support for students with significant disabilities and career readiness

The Blueprint Special Education Workshop held by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on December 18, 2024, focused on enhancing educational experiences for students with significant disabilities. The meeting aimed to address the identification of students eligible for alternate assessments and improve their long-term outcomes.

Key discussions emphasized the need to include all students in conversations about college and career readiness. Participants highlighted that students with disabilities are often overlooked in these discussions, which can lead to gaps in educational policies and practices. The meeting sought to challenge attendees to rethink how these students are integrated into broader educational frameworks.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing feedback from the previous session, which centered on secondary transition processes. Participants discussed the importance of embedding predictors of post-school success into Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the transition process. Suggestions included increasing parental involvement, addressing language barriers, and ensuring that students are actively engaged in defining their futures.

The group also explored recommendations to enhance supports for students with disabilities, such as fostering partnerships with community businesses to create meaningful employment pathways and expanding access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The idea of developing multiple diploma options and micro-credentialing in CTE was also proposed to better align educational outcomes with the needs of students with disabilities.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of revisiting existing standards and policies to ensure they are inclusive of all students, particularly those with disabilities. The MSDE plans to take the feedback received and implement recommendations aimed at improving educational practices and outcomes for these students, reinforcing the commitment to a more equitable educational system in Maryland.