The Maryland Department of Education convened the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board on September 14, 2023, to discuss critical updates to teacher licensure regulations. The meeting focused on the phased approach to revising licensure rules, emphasizing the need for a user-friendly structure that addresses urgent issues in teacher and administrator licensing.

The board's chair highlighted the importance of prioritizing regulations for teachers and disciplinary actions in the initial phase, with plans to address administrators and specialists in subsequent phases. The chair noted that the board had previously identified specific areas of urgency, particularly concerning administrator licensure, and would form work groups to develop recommendations for regulatory changes.

A significant point of discussion involved the issuance of conditional licenses for special education teachers. The board reiterated that federal law prohibits waiving licensure requirements for special education, which has led to concerns about the limited duration of conditional licenses compared to other teaching areas. The board emphasized the necessity of aligning state regulations with federal mandates to ensure compliance and improve educational standards.

Additionally, the Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition provided public comments for the first time, expressing concerns about the use of an attestation of proficiency in lieu of traditional assessments for reading instruction. The board acknowledged these concerns and committed to studying all pathways to licensure to enhance teacher effectiveness and improve student outcomes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and communication, as board members discussed strategies to ensure that public comments and regulatory updates are accessible to stakeholders. The board plans to publish all comments and responses on the State Board of Education website, fostering ongoing dialogue with the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to refining teacher licensure processes while adhering to legal standards and addressing the needs of educators and students in Maryland.