Bill > SB311

This bill makes several revisions to Maryland's education laws, primarily extending timelines and adjusting program operations. It extends the period for calculating compensatory education enrollment, which helps determine funding for students from low-income households, through fiscal year 2028 and beyond. The bill also removes the termination date for using funds from the Concentration of Poverty Grant Program for specific educational programs. Additionally, it modifies the requirements for obtaining an initial teacher certificate, including allowing for a locally developed portfolio assessment or completion of a rigorous induction program as alternatives to certain standardized tests, and expands options for out-of-state teachers seeking certification. The bill also mandates the suspension of the Expert Review Team Program for the 2026-2027 school year, reallocating some of its funding to early childhood education and an Academic Excellence Fund, and requires a report on future plans for the program. Finally, it directs the State Department of Education and the Accountability and Implementation Board to develop and report on a methodology for counting low-income students for the compensatory education formula, with interim and final reports due in 2026 and 2027 respectively.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0311?ys=2026RS