PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
& SUPPORT BRANCH
Jerry F. White, Chief
(410) 333-2479

The Program Administration and Support
Branch was organized as the Program Administra-
tion and Evaluation Branch in 1978 and received
its present name in 1992. The Branch provides
technical assistance to local school systems and
State-operated programs in their preparation of
federal, State and local plans, programs, and budg-
ets for special education. It monitors progress and
evaluates the effectiveness of local special education
programs. The Branch coordinates training pro-
grams for parents and the Principals' Academy (pro-
fessional development institutes) sponsored by the
Special Education Division.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
& ASSISTANCE BRANCH
Lucy A. Hession, Chief
(410) 333-2495

Formed in 1978, the Program Development and
Assistance Branch is responsible for the Compre-
hensive System of Personnel Development, which
provides inservice and technical assistance, develops
print and video materials, and advises local school
systems and State-operated programs on promising
educational practices. The Branch implements the
Least Restrictive Environment initiative, the Seri-
ously Emotionally Disturbed initiative, and the
Learning Disabilities initiative and works on the
deaf-blind/low incidence project, the early child-
hood project, and the transitioning project. The
Branch also trains hearing officers and conducts the
federal Quota Blind Registration Project.

NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS BRANCH
Richard L. Gamble, Sr., Chief
(410) 333-2451

The Nonpublic Schools Branch was formed in
1978. The Branch forms alternative plans in private
schools to serve handicapped children, monitors
and evaluates educational programs in out-of-state
private facilities for handicapped children, and as-
sures that they are served in the least restrictive
environment. The Branch administers funds for
handicapped children under the federal Elementary
and Secondary Education Act (Title I) and manages
the State's parent surrogate program. In the place-
ment of handicapped children, the Branch monitors
local hearing procedures and develops and imple-
ments procedures for State hearings. It investigates
and resolves complaints regarding handicapped
children and coordinates Division actions with the
State Coordinating Council for Residential Place-
ment of Handicapped Children.

DIVISION OF CAREER
TECHNOLOGY & ADULT LEARNING

Katharine M. Oliver, Assistant State Superintendent
for Career Technology & Adult Learning

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 333-2075

The Division of Career Technology and Adult
Learning originated as the Division of Vocational
Education by 1950. Renamed in 1968 as the Division
ofVocational-Technical Education, and as the Division
of Career and Technology Education in 1991, the
Division received its present name in 1992.
The Division provides and coordinates Mary-
land's system of career and technology education,
and adult learning. Policies, guidelines, programs,
and services for administering State and federal
occupational programs are developed and recom-
mended to the State Superintendent of Schools by
the Division. In addition, the Division helps local
school systems and other educational agencies, in-
stitutions, businesses, industries, and community
based organizations plan, develop, implement, and
evaluate educational and training programs. Divi-
sion programs are offered in both public and private
institutions and are available to students of all ages.

The State Board of Education also serves as the
State Board of Career and Technology Education.
The Board was formed in 1991.

CAREER & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
BRANCH
Lynne M. Gilli, Chief
(410) 333-2085

Career and Technology Services began in 1981
as the Program Development and Operations
Branch and received its present name in 1992. The
Branch assists local school systems with career and
technology education. Programs include agricul-
ture, business and office education, distribution and
marketing, health occupations, home economics,
trade and industry, youth organizations, postsecon-
dary and adult programs, consumer education,
technology education, high technology, teen par-
enting, exemplary programs, curriculum develop-
ment, and entrepreneurship programs. The Branch
also helps local schools with programs for the dis-
advantaged, the handicapped, and those with lim-
ited command of English.