The Maryland Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition is pushing for significant changes in special education hiring practices, highlighting a critical barrier posed by the current three-credit special education requirement for licensure. During a recent meeting of the Professional Standards & Teacher Education Board, co-chair of the coalition, alongside state superintendent Carrie Wright, emphasized the urgent need for reform to address staff shortages in schools, particularly for social workers and other essential roles.

The workgroup, which includes nearly 50 stakeholders from various backgrounds, has called for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to develop a plan that revises existing standards and competencies for educator preparation programs. This plan aims to ensure that educators possess the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support students with disabilities. The coalition advocates for a temporary professional credential that would allow immediate hiring while encouraging new staff to gain essential special education training.

In addition to this pressing issue, the meeting also featured updates from the State Board, which recognized six schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools and eight as Purple Star Schools for their service to military-connected children. The board unanimously adopted frameworks for high-quality instructional materials and a joint implementation policy for dual enrollment courses, ensuring local education agencies cover costs for students taking these courses.

As the Maryland education system grapples with staffing challenges, the recommendations from the Down Syndrome Advocacy Coalition could pave the way for more inclusive and effective educational environments for students with disabilities. The board's actions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and addressing the needs of all students.