The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Policy Committee convened on October 19, 2023, to discuss various legislative principles and amendments related to educational regulations. The meeting, held from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., focused on ensuring that proposed regulations align with the needs and protections desired by families, particularly concerning restraint and seclusion practices in schools.

The committee noted a lack of public comments on the proposed amendments, which was interpreted as a positive sign of MSDE's engagement with stakeholders and advocates. Members expressed appreciation for the department's efforts in addressing concerns and answering questions from the community.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the legislative principles guiding the committee's decisions. Dr. Malley McCarthy emphasized the importance of explicitly recognizing historically underserved populations, including students with disabilities and English learners, in the legislative language. She advocated for the inclusion of specific terms to ensure that all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are represented in legislative discussions.

Committee members debated the wording of the principles, considering phrases like "including but not limited to" to encompass a broader range of underserved groups without being overly restrictive. It was agreed that a small group would be tasked with researching existing language from similar contexts to refine the legislative principles further.

Additionally, the committee expressed strong support for the teacher mobility compact, which aims to facilitate talent recruitment across state lines, aligning with practices in other professions.

As the meeting concluded, members acknowledged the need for further discussions and refinements to the legislative principles before the next meeting, where they plan to finalize the language to ensure comprehensive support for all students in Maryland's educational system.