ADULT EDUCATION & LITERACY
SERVICES BRANCH
Charles A. Talbert, Chief
(410) 767-0162

The Adult Education and Literacy Services
Branch was formed in 1980 as the Adult and Com-
munity Education Branch. It was renamed the
Adult Services Branch in 1992, and the Adult
Education and Literacy Services Branch in 1993.
The Branch designs, tests, and runs literacy and
instructional programs for adults. Classes in basic
skills are offered in designated schools, during and
after regular school hours. In addition to its basic
and general adult education programs, the Branch
also oversees the Homeless Adult Literacy Program,
which teaches reading at homeless shelters and soup
kitchens, Project LEAP (Labor Education Achieve-
ment Program), which provides instruction at work
sites and union halls, the Maryland Adult External
Diploma Program, an alternative means for adults to
get a high school diploma through assessment of their
skills and competency, the Literacy Works Program, an
interagency plan to eliminate illiteracy in Maryland by
the year 2000, and the Maryland State Adult Literacy
Dissemmation Center, which tracks the progress of
students and programs, conducts workshops and
seminars, and distributes resource material.
For students ages 5 to 20, the School-Community
Centers Program coordinates recreation and supple-
mentary education before and after school. Other
educational, vocational, employment and recreational
programs are provided locally to youth and adults by
the Multi-Service Community Center Program.

CAREER CONNECTION BRANCH
Lynne M. Gilli, Ed.D., Chief
(410) 767-0518

The Career Connection Branch began in 1981 as
the Program Development and Operations Branch.
In 1992, it was renamed the Career and Technology
Services Branch. In 1995, the Branch assumed func-
tions of the School-to-Work Transition Services
Branch and was reorganized under its present name.
The Career Connection Branch assists local
school systems with career and technology educa-
tion. Programs cover agriculture, business and of-
fice education, consumer education, distribution
and marketing, entrepreneurship, health occupa-
tions, home economics, postsecondary and adult
programs, technology, teen parenting, trade and
industry, and youth organizations. With local
schools, the Branch also works on curriculum, and
programs for students who are disadvantaged, or
have disabilities or a limited command of English.
The Branch helps local school systems and commu-
nity colleges teach students how to choose and prepare
for a career. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing
through grade 12, students are introduced to different

careers. Programs cover apprenticeships, career
academies, and other school- and work-based pro-
jects. The Branch assists with programs on sex
equity, single parents, displaced homemakers, and
community organization projects.

GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT
BRANCH
Mary Ann Corley, Chief
(410) 767-0538

The General Education Development Branch
was established in 1943. Formerly under the Divi-
sion of Certification and Accreditation, the Branch
was transferred to the Division of Career Technol-
ogy and Adult Learning in 1992.
The Branch administers the General Education
Development (G.E.D.) Testing Program. This program
helps individuals attain a Maryland high school di-
ploma. Tests are given on the second Saturday of every
month at twenty-one test centers throughout the
State. Applications to take the test are available from
the General Education Development Branch or the
adult education center of each local school system.

PROGRAM SUPPORT SERVICES BRANCH
David S. Kimmel, Chief
(410) 767-0192

The Program Support Services Branch organ-
ized in 1981 as the Support Services Branch. Re
named the Administrative Support Services Branch
in 1992, it received its present name in 1993.
The Branch helps local school systems, commu-
nity colleges, the Division, and other State agencies
develop, finance, and administer career and tech-
nology education. The Branch also assists them
with data analysis.

CORRECTIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
John P. Linton, Director
(410) 767-0489

In 1976, the State Department of Education
first collaborated with the Department of Public
Safety and Correctional Services on the Correc-
tional Education Program. Administration and
funding of correctional education transferred to the
State Department of Education in 1978 (Chapter
22, Acts of 1978). The Program joined the Division
of Career Technology and Adult Learning in 1992.
The Correctional Education Program offers academic
and vocational instruction and library services to prisoners
under the Division of Correction in the Department of
Public Safety and Correcnonal Services. Instruction em-
phasizes preparation for the General Education Develop-
ment (GED) examination. Inmates passing this exam
are awarded high school diplomas. Within prisons, the
Program also coordinates services of postsecondary insti-
tutions and other educational agencies.