Special Education Terms in Maryland
What special education terms does Maryland use?
Maryland uses several terms that either differ from federal IDEA terminology or have Maryland-specific meanings. Understanding these terms is essential for navigating Maryland's special education process. Maryland uses 'Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team' — the standard federal terminology — consistent with 34 CFR 300.321 and COMAR 13A.05.01.07. The team composition mirrors federal requirements: parents, at least one general education teacher, at least one special education teacher or provider, an LEA representative qualified to provide or supervise specially designed instruction with authority over resources, an individual who can interpret evaluation results, and the student when appropriate. 'Emotional Disability' is Maryland's state-specific term for the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' (COMAR 13A.05.01.03(A)(4)). 'Local Education Agency (LEA)' in Maryland refers to one of 24 county boards of education — 23 counties (Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, Worcester) plus Baltimore City — each serving as its own independent school system. 'MSDE' is the Maryland State Department of Education, the state educational agency (SEA) responsible for special education oversight, monitoring, and technical assistance under Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 2-205. 'MCAP' (Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program) is Maryland's statewide assessment system, replacing the former MSA and PARCC assessments; 'Alt-MCAP' is the alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities (COMAR 13A.05.01.09(A)(6)). 'IEP Facilitation' in Maryland is a distinct dispute resolution process involving a trained neutral facilitator at no cost to the family, separate from and prior to formal mediation — a Maryland-specific enhancement (COMAR 13A.05.01.15). 'DORS' (Division of Rehabilitation Services) is Maryland's vocational rehabilitation agency under the Maryland State Department of Education, involved in transition planning for students with disabilities (Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 21-301 et seq.). 'DDA' (Developmental Disabilities Administration) is within the Maryland Department of Health, involved in transition planning for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 7-101 et seq.). 'ESMH' (Expanded School Mental Health) is Maryland's program funding licensed behavioral health clinicians in schools (Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 7.5-201 et seq.). 'OAH' (Office of Administrative Hearings) is the independent state agency that conducts due process hearings (Md. Code Ann., State Gov. § 9-1601 et seq.).
What Maryland Requires
IEP Team: standard federal terminology used in Maryland, consistent with 34 CFR 300.321 and COMAR 13A.05.01.07.
Emotional Disability: Maryland's state-specific term for the federal 'Emotional Disturbance' disability category (COMAR 13A.05.01.03(A)(4)).
LEA (Local Education Agency): in Maryland, refers to one of 24 county boards of education (23 counties + Baltimore City), each an independent school system.
MSDE: Maryland State Department of Education — the state educational agency responsible for special education oversight, monitoring, and technical assistance (Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 2-205).
MCAP: Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (statewide assessments); Alt-MCAP: Maryland's alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities (COMAR 13A.05.01.09(A)(6)).
DORS: Division of Rehabilitation Services — Maryland's vocational rehabilitation agency within MSDE for transition coordination (Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 21-301 et seq.).
DDA: Developmental Disabilities Administration — within the Maryland Department of Health, for transition planning for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 7-101 et seq.).
IEP Facilitation: Maryland-specific pre-dispute resolution option using a trained neutral facilitator at no cost, distinct from mediation (COMAR 13A.05.01.15).
OAH: Office of Administrative Hearings — independent state agency conducting due process hearings (Md. Code Ann., State Gov. § 9-1601 et seq.).
Key Timelines
Maryland has 24 LEAs (county boards); each is independently responsible for IDEA compliance within its jurisdiction, with MSDE oversight.
DORS involvement in transition planning: beginning at age 14, with formal interagency linkages by age 16 (COMAR 13A.05.01.09(A)(3)).
Sources
Related IEP Guides
How to Read Your Child's IEP: A Parent's Guide
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IEP Accommodations vs Modifications: What Parents Need to Know
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