Student Services and Alternative Programs

The Student Services and Stratigic Planning Branch (SSSP) is responsible for providing leadership and technical assistance to local school systems with the implementation of programs and initiatives to facilitate the emotional, mental, social, and physical health of all students. These programs and initiatives include school counseling and career development, school psychology, pupil personnel, school social work, school health services, safe and drug-free schools, dropout prevention and alternative programs, home instruction, and initiatives to reduce disruption and violence, address at-risk behaviors, and facilitate achievement. The branch works collaboratively with other agencies, community organizations, and stakeholder groups around these initiatives.

In Focus

MSDE Emergency Planning and
School Safety

Information on emergency planning, school safety, and state regulations pertaining to schools

In Focus

Model Bullying Policy

The Model Bullying Policy was adopted by the Maryland State Board of Education on February 24, 2009.

Dropout Prevention School Completion Intervention Resource Guide (September 2011)

Providing school completion supports for Maryland students

The research is clear that there is an inextricable link between children's social, emotional, mental and physical health and their ability to learn. Children who are ill, abused, depressed, suicidal, addicted, or who have emotional problems are not able to benefit from the educational program. The focus of SSAP is to address these issues through both prevention and intervention strategies and programs to help students overcome challenges to learning and to achieve to high academic levels. Through many of its programs the branch also addresses the creation of safe and nurturing school environments conducive to learning.

Contact Information

Chuck Buckler, Executive Director, Student Services & Strategic Planning Branch

Maryland State Department of Education

200 West Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Phone:

(410) 767-0311

Fax:	(410) 333-8148

Local Contacts

Directors of Student Services

Technical Assistance Guide

Student Services Technical Assistance Guide

Reports

	Implementation of State and Local School System Policies and Regulations to Address Gangs, Gang Activity, and Similar Destructive or Illegal Group Behavior, Jan. 2012
	Maryland’s Model Gang Policy, Feb. 2011
	Task Force on Compulsory Attendance
	Task Force on School Safety
	Student Discipline-Review of Local Policies and Procedures
	Task Force to Study Students with Multiple Suspensions

Supporting Students With Deployed Family Members

	A Resource for Military Members, Spouses and Families
	Military One Source
	Military Child Education Coalition
	MCEC Newsletter
	Military Child Initiative through Johns Hopkins
	Educator's Guide to the Military Child During Deployment
	Parents Called to Active Duty: Helping Children Cope
	Resources for Military Families
	What Local School Systems are Doing for Families with Deployed Members