Homeschooling in Maryland Faces Scrutiny as State Launches Review
Maryland Education Department Conducts Regulatory Review of Homeschooling Program The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has begun a regulatory review of its homeschooling program, prompting discussion among parents, educators, and advocates. Regulatory reviews are a standard process in which state agencies evaluate existing rules to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and compliant with current …
Homeschooling in Maryland Faces Scrutiny as State Launches Review Read More »
Somerset County’s Education Showdown: A Lesson in State vs. Local Control
In the ongoing saga of Somerset County Public Schools, what started as a local issue has escalated into a full-blown test of authority between the county school board and the Maryland State Department of Education. About a year ago, Dr. Ava Tasker Mitchell was hired as Somerset County’s new superintendent. She inherited a challenging situation. …
Somerset County’s Education Showdown: A Lesson in State vs. Local Control Read More »
What They’re Not Telling You About “Students With Disabilities” and School Discipline
By John Huber Every few months, another article circulates with a headline about how “students with disabilities” are suspended at disproportionately higher rates than students without disabilities. The intent is valid: to spotlight a lack of support and call for improvement. But the term itself, “students with disabilities,” is misleading, and the information that follows …
What They’re Not Telling You About “Students With Disabilities” and School Discipline Read More »
Crossing County Lines: Worcester Commissioner Praises Somerset While Misrepresenting Her Own
At a recent Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) budget hearing, a familiar theme was in full effect. County Commissioners questioned school leaders over budgetary priorities. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just about numbers. Commissioner Abbott questioned student achievement data, particularly that of Hispanic students. She cited what she claimed was a dismal 19.4% proficiency rate in math. …
Worcester County’s Budget Battle – Politics and Public Education
Another year, another budget battle in Worcester County. What should have been a straightforward funding process for public education has once again become a showcase of political posturing and bureaucratic friction. The root of the issue? Teacher pay—and the widening gap between local governance and state mandates. Basically, the conflict is that the Blueprint for …
Worcester County’s Budget Battle – Politics and Public Education Read More »
Red County, Blue Mandate: How Politics Are Shortchanging Local Schools
Teachers were promised pay raises, the BOE tried to meet state law, and then the commissioners pulled the rug out from under them. there seems to be no other eason than politics.