Maryland School Climate Policy

Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Maryland Code 7-424. Reporting incidents of harassment or intimidation against students.

Defines the terms bullying, harassment, and intimidation and behaviors that are associated with these actions. Cyberbullying is included in this policy.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-424/

 Maryland asks schools to develop and implement procedures to prevent bullying and harassment behavior and the consequences of such behavior. Policies also explain that procedures are needed for reporting an incidence of bullying and investigating it

• Maryland Code 7-424.1 Model policy prohibiting bullying, harassment, and intimidation. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-424-1/

• Maryland Code 7-424. Reporting incidents of harassment or intimidation against students. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-424/

Maryland anti-bullying laws cover incidents that occur on school property, school-sponsored events/activities, and off-school property.

• Maryland Code 7-424. Reporting incidents of harassment or intimidation against students. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-424/

Who does this protect? Students, Teachers

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Maryland schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies

• Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.02.02.04 Emergency Plan.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-13a/subtitle-02/chapter-13a-02-02/13a-02-02-04/

• Maryland Code 7-1509. Regulations; drills; emergency response policies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-15/sect-7-1509/

Maryland requires districts to implement practice drills and develop policies for drills.

• Maryland Code 7-1509. Regulations; drills; emergency response policies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-15/sect-7-1509/

• Maryland Code 7-408. Fire drills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-408/

Baltimore City school police officer means any person who, when acting in an official capacity, is authorized by law to make arrests and who is a member of the Baltimore City School Police Force, who are employees of and appointed by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.

• Maryland Code 4-318 Baltimore City School Police Force.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-4/subtitle-3/sect-4-318/

Maryland Code 4-102 Deadly weapons on school property.

A person hired by a county board of education specifically to guard public school property may possess weapons in school. However, no student or staff can possess firearms or weapons on school property.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/criminal-law/title-4/subtitle-1/sect-4-102/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Maryland Code 7-501. Legislative findings and declaration.

General Assembly declares that a statewide Youth Suicide Prevention School Program is essential to address the continuing problem of youth suicide throughout the State and can be effective with partnerships between educational programs at the State and local levels and community suicide prevention and crisis center agencies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-5/sect-7-501/

Maryland Code 7-440. Individualized or group behavioral counseling services.

The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students;

• Behavioral needs assessments
• Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school-based health center or community-partnered school-based behavioral health services

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-440/

Maryland Code 7-306 Corporal punishment; State code of discipline.

Corporal punishment is prohibited and restorative approaches to student discipline are encouraged. Examples of restorative approaches include meditation, conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-3/sect-7-306/

Maryland Code 7-304.1. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Program.

Research-based, systems approach method adopted by the State Board to build capacity among school staff to adopt and sustain the use of positive, effective practices to create learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-3/sect-7-304-1/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Maryland Code 7-440. Individualized or group behavioral counseling services.

The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students;

• Behavioral needs assessments
• Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school-based health center or community-partnered school-based behavioral health services

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-440/

Maryland schools must provide individuals with disabilities the support and accommodations they need.

• Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.05.02.07 Compliance Review Activities. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-13a/subtitle-05/chapter-13a-05-02/13a-05-02-07/

• Maryland Code 7-201 Evaluation to discover learning disabilities; programs for disabled students.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-2/sect-7-201/

• Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.05.02.01 Purpose. 

https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-13a/subtitle-05/chapter-13a-05-02/13a-05-02-01/

Who does this protect? Students, Students, Students with disabilities

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.03.02.05 Student service.

To graduate, students shall complete one of the following;

• 75 hours of student service that includes preparation, action, and reflection components.
• A locally designed program in student service that has been approved by the State Superintendent of Schools.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-13a/subtitle-03/chapter-13a-03-02/13a-03-02-05/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Maryland Code 7-424. Reporting incidents of harassment or intimidation against students.

Prohibits bullying, harassment or intimidation based on actual or a perceived personal characteristic including race, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical attributes, socioeconomic status, familial status, or physical or mental ability or disability.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-424/

Who does this protect? Students in specific groups

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Maryland Code 7-504. Eligibility guidelines; authorized programs.

The Youth Suicide Prevention Program shall provide Training for school personnel, and others responsible for counseling or supervising student activities

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-5/sect-7-504/

Maryland Code 7-430 Cultural competency model training curriculum.

The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, in consultation with the department, shall develop a cultural competency model training curriculum for law enforcement officers assigned to public schools.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-430/

 Maryland Code 7-1102 Reports and guidance.

Training requirements for school staff regarding behavioral interventions, including the need to individualize behavioral interventions based on a student’s behavioral, medical, and psychological history and disability characteristics, and trauma-informed interventions.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-11/sect-7-1102/

 Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.07.11.03 Required Training.

All certificated school personnel who have direct contact with students regularly shall complete training in;

• Understanding and responding to youth suicide risk.
• Understanding and responding to student mental health, student trauma, student safety, and other topics related to student social and emotional well-being.
• Identifying professional resources to help students in crisis.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-13a/subtitle-07/chapter-13a-07-11/13a-07-11-03/

Maryland Code 6-123 Teacher collaborative grant program.

A professional development program developed under the Program shall provide training and education in culturally responsive pedagogy, content knowledge, and best practices in teaching diverse students and communicating with diverse student families, including individuals of all races, religions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-6/subtitle-1/sect-6-123/

Who does this protect? Staff, Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Maryland Code 7-501. Legislative findings and declaration.

General Assembly declares that a statewide Youth Suicide Prevention School Program is essential to address the continuing problem of youth suicide throughout the State and can be effective with partnerships between educational programs at the State and local levels and community suicide prevention and crisis center agencies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-5/sect-7-501/

 Maryland Code 7-440. Individualized or group behavioral counseling services.

The Maryland Department of Health, in conjunction with the Department, shall recommend best practices for county boards of education to provide to students;

• Behavioral needs assessments
• Individualized or group behavioral health counseling services with a health care provider through a school-based health center or community-partnered school-based behavioral health services

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-440/

 Maryland Code 7-306 Corporal punishment; State code of discipline.

Corporal punishment is prohibited and restorative approaches to student discipline are encouraged. Examples of restorative approaches include meditation, conflict resolution, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, etc. 

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-3/sect-7-306/

Maryland Code 7-304.1. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Program.

Research-based, systems approach method adopted by the State Board to build capacity among school staff to adopt and sustain the use of positive, effective practices to create learning environments where teachers can teach and students can learn.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-3/sect-7-304-1/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Maryland Code 9.9-103 Established; responsibilities.

Community schools shall Promote active family and community engagement, including educational opportunities for adults and family members of students at the school who live in the neighborhood of the school.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-9-9-community-schools/sect-9-9-103/

Maryland Code 9.9-102 Purpose.

The purpose of a community school is to help students and families overcome the in–school and out–of–school barriers that prevent children from learning and succeeding throughout their lives by having an integrated focus on academics, health, and social services, youth and community development, and familial and community engagement.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-9-9-community-schools/sect-9-9-102/

Maryland Code 9.9-107 Funding; eligible interventions; academic services; assistance and support.

Parental involvement programs in community schools include; 

• programs that promote and encourage parental involvement and family literacy
• Parent leadership development and advocacy activities
• Parenting education activities

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-9-9-community-schools/sect-9-9-107/

Who does this protect? Students, Parents

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Maryland schools need to develop plans for dealing with emergencies.

• Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.02.02.04 Emergency Plan.

https://regulations.justia.com/states/maryland/title-13a/subtitle-02/chapter-13a-02-02/13a-02-02-04/

• Maryland Code 7-1509. Regulations; drills; emergency response policies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-15/sect-7-1509/

Maryland requires districts to implement practice drills and develop policies for drills.

• Maryland Code 7-1509. Regulations; drills; emergency response policies.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-15/sect-7-1509/

• Maryland Code 7-408. Fire drills.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-408/

Baltimore City school police officer means any person who, when acting in an official capacity, is authorized by law to make arrests and who is a member of the Baltimore City School Police Force, who are employees of and appointed by the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners.

• Maryland Code 4-318 Baltimore City School Police Force.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-4/subtitle-3/sect-4-318/

Maryland Code 4-102 Deadly weapons on school property.

A person hired by a county board of education specifically to guard public school property may possess weapons in school. However, no student or staff can possess firearms or weapons on school property.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/criminal-law/title-4/subtitle-1/sect-4-102/

Who does this protect? Students, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? Yes

Maryland Code 7-435 Emergency and evacuation plans for individuals with disabilities.

Department of Education, in consultation with disability advocacy groups, will update the Emergency Planning Guidelines for Local School Systems and Schools to accommodate, safeguard, and evacuate students, staff, and visitors with disabilities on public school grounds by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-435/

Maryland Code 7-4B-02 Equal opportunity to participate in mainstream physical education and athletic programs.

Schools must ensure the provision of reasonable accommodations necessary to provide students with disabilities equal opportunity to participate, to the fullest extent possible, in mainstream physical education and mainstream athletic programs

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4b/sect-7-4b-02/

Who does this protect? Student, Staff

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

Maryland Code 7-443. Health and safety best practices for the use of digital devices in school classrooms.

On or before June 1, 2019, the Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Health, shall develop health and safety best practices for the use of digital devices in school classrooms.

https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2019/education/division-ii/title-7/subtitle-4/sect-7-443/

Who does this protect? Students

Does this policy include ways for families to be involved? No

There is currently no policy surrounding Leadership in Maryland. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School

There is currently no policy surrounding Professional Relationships in Maryland. For more information on school climate please visit us at Services – National School