Call to Action
Our call to action is to narrow the achievement gap in Maryland by ensuring students with disabilities receive access to the general education curriculum and specially designed instruction, aligned with evidence-based practices selected and implemented to address each student’s individual developmental, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs within culturally responsive learning environments.
The Department of Early Intervention and Special Education Services works within the context of State and federal laws and policies that govern special education as well as within the broader educational mission of the Maryland State Department of Education to ensure the education and well-being of our children, students, and families. Maryland’s interdependent work with federal, State and local systems, and stakeholders aligns with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in support of our vision that all children are the responsibility of all educators.
This comprehensive system — one which balances the statutory requirements with equal emphasis on programmatic leadership aimed to narrow existing achievement gaps — is focused around the following components:
