Maryland Education Section 22-102

      (a)      The Education Coordinating Council for Correctional Institutions shall develop and recommend an educational program for each correctional institution in the Division of Correction. The programs shall meet the special needs and circumstances of the inmates in the institution.

      (b)      (1)      The Council shall adopt regulations for all correctional institutions in the Division of Correction for the implementation of a mandatory education program for all inmates who fail to attain a minimum educational standard as set forth in this subsection.

            (2)      The regulations adopted by the Council shall require that:

                  (i)      The educational standard shall be the attainment of a General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) or a verified high school diploma;

                  (ii)      The regulations shall only apply to any inmate who:

                        1.      Is received by the Division of Correction after July 1, 1987;

                        2.      Has 18 months or more remaining to be served before a mandatory supervision release date;

                        3.      Is not exempted due to a medical, developmental, or learning disability; and

                        4.      Does not possess a General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) or a verified high school diploma;

                  (iii)      Any inmate who is not exempted under subparagraph (ii)3 of this subsection shall participate in:

                        1.      The mandatory education program for at least 120 calendar days; or

                        2.      A vocational training program; and

                  (iv)      The Division of Correction shall report to the Parole Commission the academic progress of an inmate in the mandatory education program.

      (c)      On or before October 30 of each year, the Council shall report its activities to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.

      (d)      (1)      The Council shall actively advocate and promote the interests of educational programs and opportunities in correctional institutions. The Council shall seek to ensure that a quality education and equal educational opportunity are available to all inmates at correctional institutions.

            (2)      The Council shall on a regular basis review the program of instruction used in educational programs at correctional institutions to ensure that the unique educational needs of the populations of correctional institutions are being satisfactorily met.

            (3)      The Council shall include in its review:

                  (i)      Curriculum guides;

                  (ii)      Courses of study;

                  (iii)      Resource materials;

                  (iv)      Textbooks;

                  (v)      Supplementary readers;

                  (vi)      Materials of instruction;

                  (vii)      Visual and auditory aids;

                  (viii)      Supplies;

                  (ix)      Teacher performance; and

                  (x)      Other teaching aids.

            (4)      Based on their review, the Council shall recommend and advocate improvements to the educational programs at correctional institutions.