The Maryland State Board of Education convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss the final recommendations from the Special Education Work Group, a collaborative effort aimed at improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. The meeting, which lasted from 9 AM to 5:30 PM EST, featured presentations from key members of the work group, including Dr. Antoine Hickman and Liz Zogby, who outlined the group's extensive findings and recommendations.

The work group was established following stakeholder feedback on the need for enhanced resources and strategies to support students with disabilities, as highlighted in the accountability and implementation report. Over the course of 18 months, the group engaged 58 members from various sectors, including educators, administrators, and advocates, to address critical issues in special education.

Dr. Hickman emphasized the group's commitment to transforming the educational landscape for students with disabilities, noting that the recommendations stemmed from a thorough analysis of data and existing practices. The work group identified significant gaps in achievement between students with disabilities and their peers, with only 13% of students with disabilities demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts compared to 53% of their non-disabled counterparts.

The final report includes 27 recommendations, which focus on several key areas: improving standards and expectations, enhancing teacher training, and ensuring equitable access to resources. The group also highlighted the importance of fostering inclusive environments where students with disabilities can learn alongside their peers in general education settings.

One of the major themes discussed was the need for a shift in mindset regarding the capabilities of students with disabilities. The work group underscored the importance of high expectations for all students and the necessity of providing educators with the tools and training required to meet diverse learning needs effectively.

Board members expressed their support for the recommendations, acknowledging the overwhelming nature of the proposed changes while emphasizing the importance of synthesizing the information to create actionable plans. The discussions also touched on the need for ongoing collaboration between general and special education, as well as the importance of family-school partnerships in supporting student success.

As the meeting concluded, the board members recognized the work group's efforts and the significance of the recommendations in shaping the future of special education in Maryland. The next steps involve implementing the prioritized recommendations and ensuring that the necessary support and resources are in place to facilitate meaningful change for students with disabilities across the state.