It also helps prepare federal, State and local plans,
programs, and budgets for special education. For
children with disabilities, the Branch monitors local
programs and coordinates training for their parents.
The Branch also oversees the Principals' Academy,
which consists of professional development insti-
tutes sponsored by the Division.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
& ASSISTANCE BRANCH
Lucy A. Hession, Chief
(410) 767-0242

Formed in 1978, the Program Development
and Assistance Branch is responsible for the Com-
prehensive System of Personnel Development. Un-
der the System, the Branch trains, technically aids,
and advises local school systems and State programs

on promising educational practices in special edu-
cation. It also develops print and video materials for
them. In addition, the Branch trains the hearing
officers from the Office of Administrative Hearings
who hear disputes between parents and local school
systems over placement of children with disabilities.
The Branch works on projects concerned with
students who are deaf or hard of hearing, visually
impaired, or both deaf and blind, and early child-
hood and transitioning. Through the American
Printing House for the Blind, for example, the
Branch administers the federally funded quota sys-
tem for educational materials for visually impaired
students. The Branch also implements initiatives on
the Least Restrictive Environment, the Seriously
Emotionally Disturbed, and Learning Disabilities.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR
EDUCATIONAL BLOCK GRANTS

Abolished in 1994 when it no longer was required
by federal law (Improving America's Schools Act of
1994, P.L. 103-382).

CAREER & EMPLOYABILITY DEVELOPMENT
BRANCH

Under the Division of Compensatory Education
and Support Services, renamed Family Involve-
ment and Dropout Intervention Branch in 1995.

CAREER & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES BRANCH

Under the Division of Career Technology and
Adult Learning, reorganized in 1995 as the Career
Connection Branch.

COMMITTEE ON
OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN STANDARDS

JoAnne L. Carter, Co-Chair
Carol Ann Baglin, Co-Chair
(410) 767-0275

Appointed by Governor upon recommendation of
State Superintendent of Schools: Patricia Foerster,
Polly B. Harrison, M.D., Estella Ingram.

At the request of the General Assembly, the Com-
mittee on Opportunity to Learn Standards was
formed in 1994 by the Department as part of the
Schools for Success and Goals 2000 Program (Joint
Resolution no. 9, Acts of 1994). In December
1995, the Committee recommended Opportunity
to Learn Standards, based on local school data, to
the State Department of Education.

COMPENSATORY & MIGRANT EDUCATION
BRANCH

Under the Division of Compensatory Education
and Support Services, renamed Compensatory
Education Branch in 1995.

DIVISION OF INSTRUCTION

In 1994, renamed the Division of Instruction and
Staff Development.

DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL

David E. Sumler, Chair
Contact: Louise (Lu) Morrissey (410) 767-0301
The Council last met in May 1995.

PUPIL SERVICES & DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS
BRANCH

Under the Division of Compensatory Education
and Support Services, renamed Pupil Services
Branch in 1995.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, PRODUCT
& SERVICE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

In 1994, renamed School Performance Research
and Development.

SCHOOL-TO-WORK TRANSITION SERVICES
BRANCH

Formerly under the Division of Career Technology
and Adult Learning, Branch functions were as-
sumed by the Career Connection Branch in 1995.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
& PROGRAM ENRICHMENT BRANCH

Under the Division of Instruction and Staff Devel-
opment, Branch functions were reassigned in 1994
to the Arts and Sciences Branch.

TEACHER EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
BRANCH

Under the Division of Certification and Accredita-
tion, renamed the Licensure Branch in 1994.