Education (Career & Technical Education)

HB 1077 requires Maryland's State Department of Education and Career and Technical Education Committee to form a workgroup by July 2026 to study how high school students can earn portable, industry-recognized credentials that build toward college degrees. The workgroup will review models from South Carolina and Arkansas, examine student planning tools starting in 8th grade, and explore flexible credit systems allowing course substitutions for graduation requirements. It will also analyze credential portability across schools and propose a standardized "list of valuable credentials" for high-demand fields, with a final report due December 2026. This bill does not enact changes but studies potential reforms to align with Maryland's existing education framework.

HB 296 revises Maryland’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) structure by repealing the CTE Skills Standards Advisory Committee and updating the CTE Committee’s composition and duties. The bill requires state agencies and workforce programs to use a state-approved list of occupations for career pathway planning, aligning CTE programs with job market needs. It modifies the CTE Committee to include seven members (adding an employer representative role) and directs it to coordinate statewide CTE systems, develop career pathway standards, and work with businesses. This affects Maryland public schools, postsecondary institutions, and workforce development programs that deliver CTE pathways to students. The changes aim to streamline CTE program alignment with industry credentials and workforce demands.

SB 311 revises Maryland's Blueprint for Maryland's Future education plan by making several targeted adjustments to existing provisions. It repeals the annual requirement for county school boards to submit technology spending reports, extends the timeframe for calculating compensatory education enrollment (through 2027), and removes a termination date for Concentration of Poverty Grant funds. The bill also updates teacher certification qualifications, extends deadlines for National Board Certification for principals, and revises definitions for wraparound services in community schools and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. These changes primarily affect school districts, teachers, and state education agencies administering the Blueprint's funding and program requirements.

SB 408 creates a pilot program in Anne Arundel County Public Schools to prepare high school students for careers as election officials. The bill requires the Anne Arundel County Board of Education and the State Board of Elections (with input from the State Department of Education) to develop this career training program starting July 1, 2026. The program will run for five years, ending June 30, 2031, and applies only to Anne Arundel County schools. It directly affects students in the county’s public schools by offering structured career pathways in election administration. The bill does not change existing election laws but establishes a new educational opportunity specific to the county.

HB 29 requires Maryland county school boards to provide free access to three types of post-college and career readiness pathways for students who meet statewide college and career readiness standards: competitive college prep programs (like IB or AP), early college/dual enrollment options, and career/technology education programs. It allows counties to set income eligibility guidelines for the college prep pathway costs (but mandates free access for students at or below federal poverty level), while requiring all other pathways to be free for all qualifying students. The bill also mandates schools to offer counseling to help students choose pathways, ensure graduation requirements are met through these pathways, and maintain full student services regardless of pathway enrollment. This applies to all Maryland public high school students meeting the readiness standards, effective July 1, 2026.

HB 297 establishes two new pathways for adults to earn a high school diploma in Maryland. It creates a two-year GED Option Pilot Program (starting 2027-2028) for up to 150 at-risk students (aged 17+) per participating school district who have withdrawn from regular school programs, expanding eligibility beyond current English language learner programs. The bill also permanently adds the MDiplomaWorks Pathway, allowing adults to earn a diploma by demonstrating academic and career skills, including work experience, instead of traditional coursework. Both pathways target adults who did not complete high school and withdrew from formal education programs. The pilot requires annual reports to the legislature on participation and outcomes.

SB 343 modifies Maryland law to clarify how county school boards fund post-college and career readiness (post-CCR) pathways for students meeting college and career readiness (CCR) standards. It requires counties to provide free access to specific pathways (like International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, or career-technical programs) for all eligible students, but allows boards to establish income-based eligibility for the college-preparatory pathway (Section 7-205.1(g)(2)). Crucially, students from families earning below 400% of the federal poverty level must receive these pathways at no cost, regardless of income guidelines. The bill directly affects public high school students meeting CCR standards and ensures equitable access to pathways without cost barriers for low-income families.