Maryland advocates push for virtual school access for students with medical conditions

The Maryland State Board of Education convened on March 25, 2025, to address several critical issues affecting the state's educational landscape. The meeting, which lasted from 9:00 AM to 4:40 PM EDT, featured discussions on virtual schooling, mathematics policy, and the challenges faced by low-performing schools.

The session began with a poignant testimony from a student who shared her experiences with epilepsy and the challenges of attending traditional school. She highlighted how online education transformed her academic life, allowing her to manage her condition better and achieve academic success. The student urged the board to support the establishment of virtual schools across Maryland, emphasizing that many students with medical conditions could thrive in an online learning environment.

Following this, Paul Lemley, president of the Maryland State Education Association, reflected on his first eight months in office. He expressed appreciation for the board's efforts to enhance transparency and collaboration with educators. Lemley also advocated for an extension of the social studies standards review, stressing the need for stakeholder input to ensure the curriculum is inclusive and relevant.

Dr. Jean Painter from the Maryland Coalition for Gifted and Talented Education raised concerns about the proposed pre-K mathematics policy, arguing that it could undermine the progress made in gifted education. She urged the board not to pass the current draft, citing issues with exclusionary tracking and the need for clarity on acceleration policies.

Dr. Shannon Pugh, representing Anne Arundel County Public Schools, discussed the challenges of identifying low-performing schools. She requested a shift to a three-year identification cycle to improve recruitment and planning for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) in these schools, emphasizing the importance of stability in staffing.

Courtney Evans, speaking on virtual school access, highlighted the need for equitable educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their circumstances. She criticized the reduction in quality and access to virtual education, urging the board to ensure that every child receives the education they deserve.

The meeting also included discussions on career and college readiness standards, with concerns raised about the impact of current measures on students' access to dual enrollment opportunities. Additionally, the board heard from Atasha James, co-founder of Legends Charter School, who addressed the financial burdens faced by charter schools regarding special education funding.

In conclusion, the Maryland State Board of Education's meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the state's education system. Key takeaways included the need for enhanced virtual education options, a commitment to inclusive and equitable policies, and a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of all students. The board's next steps will involve further discussions on these critical issues as they work towards improving educational outcomes across Maryland.