Maryland student leaders launch special education council to unify voices

The Board of Education meeting on April 9, 2025, highlighted significant discussions surrounding the role of student leadership and advocacy within Maryland's educational system. A key focus was the initiative to establish the first special education-led student council in the state, aimed at enhancing representation and collaboration among students with special needs.

One of the student leaders, Braden, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in leadership, noting that while all schools have special education programs, there is a lack of connection at the county level. He is actively working with the vice president of Special Olympics and various educators to create a council that will amplify the voices of special education students, ensuring their concerns are addressed at both county and state levels.

Another student, Jack, shared his experience advocating for student rights at the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) convention. He described efforts to revise the organization's constitution, which ultimately faced resistance from higher-ups. Despite the setback, Jack expressed pride in representing student interests and the collaborative work involved in the process.

The meeting also included discussions on leadership styles among the candidates. Braden described his approach as collaborative, focusing on ensuring all voices are heard and represented. He highlighted the growth in participation and success in programs he leads as a result of this inclusive approach. Jack mentioned his dual focus on leading by example and listening to peers, while Michelle emphasized adaptability and teamwork, framing her campaign as a collective effort rather than an individual pursuit.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of student leaders to advocate for their peers and foster a more inclusive educational environment. The proposed special education council represents a significant step towards bridging gaps in representation and ensuring that all students have a platform to voice their needs and ideas.