The Maryland Department of Education's Blueprint Special Education Workgroup convened on March 20, 2024, to discuss vital strategies aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for students with disabilities. The meeting, led by Assistant Superintendent Antoine Diklin, emphasized the importance of quality educators and the need for effective collaboration between general and special education teachers.

In her opening remarks, Liz highlighted the significance of supporting teachers, stating that they are crucial to the educational environment. She stressed the need to rethink and reimagine the skills and expertise required for educators to effectively teach students with disabilities. The focus is on creating supportive working conditions that foster job satisfaction and retention among educators.

Public comments during the meeting underscored the necessity of proper scheduling in schools. Michelle Davis from ABC's for Life Success pointed out that effective master scheduling is essential for facilitating co-planning and co-teaching between general and special education teachers. This approach aims to break down barriers between general and special education, ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction within inclusive settings.

The meeting also revisited highlights from the previous session, where the workgroup set expectations for students with disabilities to achieve grade-level standards. Discussions included the integration of general and special education, dismantling silos, and establishing multi-tiered systems of support to provide timely assistance to students.

As the workgroup continues its efforts, the focus remains on enhancing educational practices and ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities, have access to quality education. The next steps will involve further discussions on implementing these strategies and addressing the ongoing needs of educators and students alike.