State board update: MOU with AIB adopted; revised social studies standards and other rule actions summarized

A Maryland State Board of Education representative briefed the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board on actions taken at the state board's June 24 meeting, including adoption of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), approval of revised social studies standards and several regulatory actions.

The MOU clarifies roles and information-sharing between the State Board and the AIB in blueprint implementation; the AIB adopted the MOU two days after the state board. The state board adopted revised social studies standards intended to align with national best practices.

The special education work group submitted a final report to the state board with 27 recommendations for MSDE and the state board to consider and prioritize. The state board also granted permission to repeal and replace COMAR 13.05.04 (library media services), which the presenter said carries out the Freedom to Read Act's requirements and adds competencies around digital literacy and citizenship for library programs.

State board members granted permission to publish amendments to COMAR 13.07.01 (comprehensive teacher induction program) after public comment; the amendments clarify aggregate mentoring minutes per marking period and note that professional learning may align with local initiatives. Finally, the state board authorized emergency regulations clarifying that a state-superintendent-issued stay of a local school board decision may remain in place for the duration of any appeal (beyond the prior 60-day maximum), and scheduled two July state-board meetings, including a half-day session on July 30 focused on budget issues.

MSDE staff said hyperlinks and a summary of actions had been provided to PSTEB members and offered to share any missing materials after the meeting.