PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES BRANCH
David S. Kimmel, Chief
(410) 333-2030

The Program Support Services Branch was organ-
ized in 1981 as the Support Services Branch. It was
renamed the Administrative Support Services Branch
in 1992 and received its present name in 1993. The
Branch helps the Division, State agencies, community
colleges, and local school systems plan, evaluate, fi-
nance, develop, and administer approved career and
technology education programs. The Branch also of-
fers assistance with data analysis.

ADULT EDUCATION & LITERACY
SERVICES BRANCH
Charles A. Talbert, Chief
(410) 333-2361

The Adult Education and Literacy Services Branch
was formed in 1980 as the Adult and Community
Education Branch. It was renamed the Adult Services
Branch in 1992, and the Adult Education and Literacy
Services Branch in 1993. The Branch designs, field-
tests, and operates instructional programs for adults.
Classes in basic skills are offered for enrichment or
remediation in designated schools, both during and
after regular school hours.
In addition, the Branch is responsible for educa-
tional services provided after school to students in
school community centers. These programs for en-
richment and recreation are administered at the local
level, often by local parks and recreation departments.

GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT
BRANCH
Mary Ann Corley, Chief
(410) 333-2280

The General Education Development Branch was
established in 1943. Formerly under the Division of
Certification and Accreditation, the Branch was trans-
ferred to the Division of Career Technology and Adult
Learning in 1992. Pursuant to State Board of Educa-
tion bylaws, the Branch administers the General Edu-
cation Development (G.E.D.) testing program, which
leads to attainment of a Maryland high school di-
ploma. Tests are given on the second Saturday of every
month at 21 test centers throughout the State. Per-
sons interested in taking the test must apply through
the General Education Development Branch or
through the local adult education center of their local
school system.

SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION SERVICES
BRANCH
Leo E. Lezzer, Chief
(410) 333-2047

The School-to-Work Transition Services Branch helps
local school systems and community colleges form career

development systems. The Branch assists local
school systems with apprenticeships, career acade-
mies, and other school- and work-based programs.
For local schools and community colleges, the
Branch administers and technically assists programs
for sex equity, single parents and displaced home-
makers, and community-based organization pro-
jects. With the Governor's Workforce Investment
Board, the Branch is implementing Career Connec-
tions, a statewide initiative to give every student
career-based education.

CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
John P. Linton, Director

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 333-8158

In 1976, the State Department of Education be-
gan to collaborate with the Department of Public
Safety and Correctional Services on the Correctional
Education Program. The administration and funding
of correctional education was transferred to the State
Department of Education in 1978 (Chapter 22, Acts
of 1978). The Program was placed under the Career
Technology and Adult Learning Division in 1992.
The Correctional Education Branch provides aca-
demic and vocational instruction and library services to
residents of institutions administered by the Division of
Correction of the Department of Public Safety and
Correctional Services. Teachers and librarians provide
direct services. The Program also coordinates services
of postsecondary institutions and other educational
agencies within the correctional facilities.
Program services include basic academic instruc-
tion with an emphasis on literacy skills. Academic
instruction also prepares students for the General
Education Development (G.E.D.) examination.
Students passing this examination are awarded
Maryland high school diplomas.

EDUCATION COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR
CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Chairperson: Nancy S. Grasmick, Ph.D., State
Superintendent of Schools
(410) 333-2251

The Education Coordinating Council for Cor-
rectional Institutions was created in 1975 to de-
velop educational programs in each correctional
institution within the Division of Correction
(Chapter 539, Acts of 1975).
The Council has four ex officio members, and one
public member appointed to a four-year term by the
Governor. The State Department of Education pro-
vides technical and clerical assistance to the Council.
While under the jurisdiction of the Department of
Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Council
is within the State Department of Education for budg-
etary and administrative purposes (Code Education
Article, secs. 22-101 through 22-104).