SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
OFFICE

Joan M. Palmer, Ed.D., Assistant Deputy State
Superintendent for School Improvement
(410) 333-2489

The School Improvement Office originated in
1988 when the Bureau of Educational Develop-
ment was formed. The Bureau was reorganized as
the School Improvement Services Office in 1992
and as the School Improvement Office in 1993. The
Office oversees four divisions formerly administered
by the Bureau of Educational Development: In-
struction; Compensatory Education and Support
Services; Special Education; and Career Technol-
ogy and Adult Learning.

DIVISION OF INSTRUCTION

Lorraine Costella, Ph.D., Assistant State
Superintendent for Instruction

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 333-2328

The Division of Instruction was formed in 1945,
although its earliest duties have been carried out by
the State Department of Education since 1920. The
Division formulates instructional guidelines for ele-
mentary and secondary schools and recommends
these guidelines to the State Superintendent of
Schools. Guidelines cover curriculum and adult
continuing education in public schools and educa-
tional programs of State agencies. The Division
evaluates education programs for compliance with
the accountability program; trains staff; audits pro-
grams; and sponsors conferences on curriculum for
county school personnel. With the Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene, the Division also sets
standards and guidelines for school health pro-
grams. In addition, the Division oversees two inno-
vative educational programs: Competency-Based
Education, and the Baltimore Chesapeake Outward
Bound Program.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
& EARLY LEARNING BRANCH
JoAnne L. Carter, Chief
(410) 333-2336

The Language Development and Early Learn-
ing Branch was created in 1989. The Branch de-
signs, develops, and conducts programs for
effective teaching to promote early learning and
language development in children ages four
through nine. Branch responsibilities include Eng-
lish/language arts programs, foreign languages, bi-
lingual education, and prekindergarten programs.

ARTS & SCIENCES BRANCH
Kay A. Birukoff, Chief
(410) 333-2307

Formed in 1989, the Arts and Sciences Branch
designs, develops, tests, disseminates, and conducts
programs for teaching the fine arts, health and
safety, mathematics, physical education, environ-
mental education, science, and social studies.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT &
PROGRAM ENRICHMENT BRANCH
Antoinette Favazza-Wiegand, Chief
(410) 333-2357

The Student Achievement and Program Enrich-
ment Branch originated as the Learning Improve-
ment and Program Enrichment Branch in 1989. It
was reorganized as the School Improvement and
Program Enrichment Branch in 1990 and received
its present name in 1992.
The Branch works with local boards of educa-
tion to develop programs to improve school per-
formance. Current programs concern early learning
years, technology training, development of new
assessment measures, instructional strategies to im-
prove student learning, improvement plans for mid-
dle schools, and programs for high schools. The
Branch coordinates, develops, field tests, imple-
ments, and evaluates school improvement models.
The Branch operates twelve Maryland Summer
Centers for Gifted and Talented Students in grades
four through twelve; helps local boards of educa-
tion develop programs for gifted students; and
oversees a grant program for local gifted and tal-
ented programs (Code Education Article, secs. 8-
201 through 8-204). The Governor's Gifted and
Talented Science and Math School Improvement
Project is coordinated by the Branch.
Through the Maryland Public Secondary Schools
Athletic Association, the Branch oversees athletic rules
and regulations, officials, and State tournaments.

DIVISION OF COMPENSATORY
EDUCATION & SUPPORT SERVICES

Ellen D. Gonzales, Assistant State Superintendent
for Compensatory Education & Support Services

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 333-2400

The Division of Compensatory Education and
Support Services was created in 1988. It adminis-
ters and supervises federal and State programs for
economically and socially deprived children. The
Division works with local school systems and other
agencies to develop, implement, and evaluate edu-
cational programs for educationally disadvantaged
children as authorized by federal law (P.L. 100-