Maryland Education Section 7-304

      (a)      The purpose of this section is to require each county board of education to provide a continuum model of prevention and intervention activities and programs that encourage and promote positive behavior and reduce disruption.

      (b)      Each county board of education and the Board of School Commissioners of Baltimore City shall establish special programs in the county and Baltimore City for students in the public school system who exhibit disruptive classroom behavior.

      (c)      Two or more county boards may establish special programs for their joint use.

      (d)      The State shall appropriate an amount of money for allocation by the State Department of Education to local education agencies for schools or clusters of schools to support the development and expansion of special programs for disruptive youth. Within the resources available, the State Superintendent shall award funds to the local school systems which submit proposals pursuant to the criteria established in subsection (e) of this section.

      (e)      Each local education agency that is applying for State support for special programs for disruptive youth shall submit proposals for funding of programs to the State Department of Education that include:

            (1)      An assessment of the number of students in each school in need of special services;

            (2)      Specific plans with goals and measurable objectives for activities and programs that provide a continuum model for the prevention and intervention of disruptive student behaviors including but not limited to removal and re-entry programs necessary for effective learning;

            (3)      Adherence to the State Board regulations on disciplinary policies and programs and other guidelines established by the State Department of Education;

            (4)      A procedure involving the participation of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and other members of the community; and

            (5)      In-service training and staff development for administrators, teachers, and other school personnel.

      (f)      (1)      At the end of each fiscal year, each participating local education agency shall submit a written statement to the State Department of Education that describes:

                  (i)      The assessment, the educational problems determined, the overall program developed with goals and procedures, and a yearly evaluation of the success of the program as provided under the provisions of this section; and

                  (ii)      Information regarding the number of students identified as being habitually truant as provided under the provisions of § 7-302(c) of this subtitle.

            (2)      On or before December 1 of each year, the State Department of Education shall submit a summary of the reports required under this subsection to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.