 In
Maryland, public education is a responsibility shared by State,
county and Baltimore City government. The State Board of
Education sets educational standards, certifies teachers,
partially funds school construction and instruction, and
monitors school performance. The Board also oversees the State
Department of Education. County boards of education often set
additional requirements, develop new programs, and provide
substantial local funding. Local, State and federal funds
combined to provide $8.1 billion for Maryland public schools in
the 2004-05 school year. The average cost per pupil was $9,062
in the 2004-05 school year.
Prettyboy Elementary School, 19810 Middletown Road,
Freeland, Maryland, July 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
 On
national tests, Maryland students consistently excel. Some 68
percent of Maryland public high school students took the
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) in 2004, a high participation
rate. In Advanced Placement courses, Maryland ranks second in
the nation in the percentage of high school students scoring at
the mastery levels.
Huntingtown High School, 4125 North Solomons Island Road,
Huntingtown, Maryland, July 2006. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Maryland school year is a minimum 180 days long. Schools
are open for a ten-month period, from about Labor Day to
mid-June. Opening and closing dates vary from county to county.
Kindergarten is mandatory. The State also requires that
children, ages 5 to 16, attend school. Elementary and middle
school students attend school at least 6 hours a day, high
school students 6.5 hours a day. Students may attend school up
to age 21.
In September 2004, for prekindergarten through high school,
865,561 students enrolled in 1,419 public schools, and 187,817
students enrolled at 1,150 private schools. Public high schools
graduated 59,024 students in 2005. Those intending to continue
their education: 71.1% (66.8% in a college or university, 4.3%
in a trade or business school); to work: 14.3%; to enter
military service: 2.4%.
More stringent requirements for graduation from high school
were set by the State in 1992. Credits required were increased
from 20 to 21. General requirements were replaced with
particular courses, or courses with specific content. Fewer
credits were reserved for electives (nonrequired courses chosen
by students). Students must pass functional tests in reading,
writing, mathematics, and citizenship. They also must perform 75
hours of volunteer community service approved by the State.
Special Public School Programs. These cover
prekindergarten for four-year olds; and career and technology
education, including consumer and homemaking classes. Gifted and
talented programs also are offered by the State, on a tuition
basis, at summer centers for students who qualify academically,
meet geographical distribution requirements, and are able to pay
the cost.
Special education services for students with disabilities
range from aid for part or all of a school day to specialized
services for homebound students or those in separate facilities
or hospitals. Within the State Department of Education, the
Division of Special Education and Early Intervention Services
administers both State and federal programs for special
education. |
