Ch. 148                                   2004 LAWS OF MARYLAND

[(h)](I) (1) If a school system fails to demonstrate progress toward
improving student achievement and meeting State performance standards in each
segment of the student population during a school year, the State Superintendent
shall review the content of the plan [and], any updates to the plan, AND THE
RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL REVIEW REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (H)(1) OF THIS
SECTION to assess whether the plan will have the effect of improving student
achievement and increasing progress toward meeting State performance standards.

(2) If the State Superintendent determines that a plan will not have the
effect of improving student achievement and increasing progress toward meeting
State performance standards, the State Superintendent shall require specific
revisions to the plan.

[(i)] (J) The State Superintendent shall advise the Governor and the General
Assembly concerning the distribution of State funds to a county that fails to make
progress toward improving student achievement and meeting State performance
standards in each segment of the student population.

[(j)] (K) The State Board may withhold State funds from a county board if:

(1)     A school system fails to demonstrate annual progress toward
improving student achievement and meeting State performance standards in each
segment of the student population; and

(2)     Fails to develop a plan that meets the requirements of subsections (b)
through (g) of this section or take any action required by the State Superintendent
under this section.

[(k)] (L) (1) The State Superintendent shall review academic intervention
programs and behavior modification programs to identify best practices.

(2) The State Superintendent shall periodically report on the best
practices to the State Board, the county boards, the Governor, and, subject to §
2-1246 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly.

[(l)] (M) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department
shall adopt regulations as necessary to implement this section.

(2) The Department shall consult with county superintendents and
county boards before promulgating proposed regulations to implement this section.

[(m)] (N) The Department may provide technical assistance to county boards
in developing and implementing a plan.

[(n)](O) The Governor shall include an appropriation for the Department in
the State budget for each fiscal year in amount sufficient to cover the costs associated
with implementing this section.

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