In 2014, the Maryland State Board of Education (State Board) passed a sweeping reform of the state’s student discipline regulations. Five years following statewide implementation of these regulations, the State Board believed it was timely to examine the impact of these regulations and whether the intended intent has been achieved, and determine what modifications, if any, may be needed.
Consider the impact that current discipline regulations have on Maryland students, teachers, classrooms, learning environments, and schools;
Identify patterns of practice in implementing State regulations/policies;
Determine best practices in student discipline inside and outside of Maryland, including, but not limited to, restorative justice and Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS);
Evaluate recommendations and findings from other groups and commissions, including, but not limited to, the Kirwan Commission and the Commission on the School to Prison Pipeline;
Based on consideration of the foregoing and the understanding that all students in Maryland should receive an education in a safe school, make recommendations to the State Board on any regulatory, policy, or guidance changes that should be adopted to improve the disciplinary environment in Maryland schools in order to provide every student with a safe school and a world class education.
The work of the Task Force will be accomplished through large group discussions; by gathering information and input from stakeholders and subject experts; through presentations, panel discussions, surveys and/or focus groups; and by reviewing relevant research and reports. Members of the public are also encouraged to submit input to Dr. Vermelle Greene, Task Force Chair, and/or to the State Board via email at stateboard.msde@maryland.gov or U.S. mail to the Office of the State Board, 200 West Baltimore Street, 7th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201.
The Task Force will use the information gathered to make recommendations for regulatory, policy, and/or guidance changes for the State Boards' consideration.
State Board's Proposed Guidelines For Timely Disposition of Long Term Discipline Cases – May, 2011
A Safe School, Successful Students, and A Fair and Equitable Disciplinary Process Go Hand in Hand: A Study of School Discipline Practices and Proposed Regulatory Changes – February, 2012
Making Decisions About Proposed Disciplinary Regulations – June, 2012
Report of the Maryland State Board of Education - School Discipline and Academic Success: Related Parts of Maryland's Education Reform – July 2012
Public Comments Received on Student Discipline Regulations COMAR 13A.08.01.11, .12, .15, and .21
Proposed Amendments to School Discipline Regulations - COMAR 13A.08.01, .11, .12, .15, and .21