During the recent Blueprint Special Education Workshop held by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), community members and educators gathered to discuss critical reforms aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. The meeting, which took place on November 21, 2024, emphasized the need for accountability and structured support within Maryland's educational framework.

Alicia Gaines, a parent advocate, urged the work group to establish specific timelines and accountability measures for implementing reforms. She highlighted the importance of developing a statewide compliance tracking system and rolling out mandatory training programs for educators. Gaines stressed that families are fighting daily to ensure their children receive the education and support they deserve, calling for increased funding and the establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor the implementation of these reforms.

The meeting also included a review of feedback from previous discussions, focusing on how to embed predictors of post-school success into the Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition process. Participants explored ways to ensure that all students with disabilities are connected to post-school pathways, emphasizing the need for inclusive programs and policies within the college and career readiness pillar of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

As the workshop progressed, attendees engaged in small group discussions to further explore these topics, with the aim of refining recommendations based on community input. The meeting concluded with a commitment to prioritize these reforms and hold schools accountable to the highest standards, reflecting a collective effort to create a more equitable educational system for all Maryland students.

This workshop marks a significant step in Maryland's ongoing efforts to enhance special education services, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed both in school and beyond. The next steps will involve synthesizing feedback and implementing actionable strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities across the state.