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Board adopts temporary professional license for school social workers missing one special‑education course
Summary
At its Sept. 11 meeting the Maryland State Board of Education voted to adopt amendments to COMAR to allow issuance of a temporary professional license to school social workers who meet all licensure requirements except a single three‑credit special‑education course; the change will next go to the State Board of Education for final consideration.
The Maryland State Board of Education voted Sept. 11 to adopt amendments to COMAR (13A.12.01.04 and 13A.12.04.02) that expand the temporary professional credential to school social workers who have met all licensure requirements except for a three‑semester‑hour special‑education course.
Board staff told members the change would allow those missing only that single course to receive a temporary professional license while they obtain the course through an accredited institution of higher education or through Maryland‑approved continuing professional development credits. The amendments were published for public comment and the board received a single written comment supporting the change from the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities (MANSA).
The motion to adopt the package of amendments was moved during the meeting and recorded as approved by the board. Board staff said, if adopted by this body, the amendments will be presented to the State Board of Education’s policy committee the following week as part of the State Board’s September meeting schedule.
The board’s staff summary said the earlier version of the proposal had been broader; after review the State Board limited the temporary‑licensure expansion to school social workers who meet all other requirements but lack the specified three‑credit special‑education course. The adopted language specifies acceptable ways to complete that course requirement (accredited colleges or MSDE‑approved professional development).
The new rule changes take effect only after the State Board of Education completes its review and any further procedural steps required by regulation.
