The Maryland Department of Education convened the Blueprint Special Education Workgroup for its seventh meeting on March 20, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. EST. The meeting focused on discussions surrounding the challenges and opportunities in special education, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session began with a brief recap of breakout room discussions, where participants were encouraged to share highlights from their conversations. Betsy Perry, a special education teacher from Montgomery County, emphasized the importance of professional development for both special education and general education teachers. She noted the need for dual certification programs in higher education to better prepare teachers for the complexities of special education, particularly in secondary education settings.

Group discussions highlighted the necessity for ongoing training in social-emotional support and collaboration among educators. Participants expressed the need for partnerships with higher education institutions to ensure that teacher candidates are well-versed in current pedagogical practices.

Winifred, a participant from Group 2, shared insights on the concept of universal design and the importance of preparing teachers through comprehensive training programs. She proposed a five-year teacher preparation program that would include specialized training in learning disabilities, such as dyscalculia, alongside incentives for teachers to pursue this additional education. This approach aims to enhance teacher preparedness and retention in the field.

The meeting underscored a significant theme: the overlap in skills and knowledge required for both general and special education teachers. Participants agreed that fostering a unified approach to teacher training could lead to better educational outcomes for all students.

As the meeting concluded, the workgroup members expressed a commitment to further explore these ideas and develop actionable strategies to improve special education across Maryland. The next steps will involve continued collaboration and sharing of best practices among educators and institutions.