Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-453
Student Support Specialist Networks
Effective Jul 1, 2024Added by Acts 2024, c. 303, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 304, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.State of Maryland
(a)
- (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
- (2) “Network” means a Student Support Specialist Network.
- (3) “Plan” means a Student Support Success Action Plan.
- (4) “Template” means the template developed by the Prince George's County Board of Education used by a Student Support Specialist Network.
- (b) This section applies only in Prince George's County.
- (c) There is a Student Support Specialist Network in each public high school in the county.
(d) Each Network shall include the following members, if applicable:
- (1) The vice principal of the school;
- (2) Professional school-based counselors;
- (3) School-based psychologists;
- (4) School-based nurses;
- (5) Licensed clinical social workers;
- (6) Crisis Intervention Resource Teachers;
- (7) Career coaches;
- (8) Community school coordinators;
- (9) School resource officers; and
- (10) School security employees.
(e)
- (1) On or before December 31, 2024, the Prince George's County Board of Education shall develop, approve, and disseminate a template for a Student Support Success Action Plan to be used by each Network.
(2) The template for a plan developed under this subsection shall include metrics to measure and concrete steps to achieve improvements in:
- (i) The number of students who have access to behavioral and mental health supports;
- (ii) The ratio of licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, Crisis Intervention Resource Teachers, and clinical therapists to students;
- (iii) Referrals of students to mental health services, nurses, career counseling, and food pantries;
- (iv) Community school assessment results;
- (v) The use of restorative approaches in addressing student misconduct;
- (vi) The use of trauma-informed approaches to a student in distress;
- (vii) The number of school-based arrests;
- (viii) The number of student disciplinary referrals issued;
- (ix) The number of suspensions;
- (x) Referrals to the Department of Juvenile Services; and
- (xi) The number of expulsions for nonviolent behavior.
(3) In addition to the metrics required under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the template for a plan developed under this subsection shall also address:
- (i) Strengthening school culture, climate, and community;
- (ii) Fostering cooperation and coordination between Networks;
- (iii) Ensuring students in crisis are supported;
- (iv) Reducing out-of-school suspensions and expulsions;
- (v) Increasing access to and knowledge of behavioral health supports;
- (vi) Reducing in-school violence, gang-related activity, and substance abuse;
- (vii) Cultivating positive relationships of understanding between school personnel, school resource officers, security personnel, and students; and
- (viii) Strengthening the network of services for students and staff who are in crisis.
- (f) Subject to subsection (g) of this section, each Network shall collectively develop, complete, and implement a plan utilizing the approved county board template.
(g)
- (1) Before implementing a plan in accordance with subsection (f) of this section, each Network shall submit the plan to the county board for approval.
- (2) The deadline for submission shall be determined by the county board.
- (h) On or before July 1, 2025, and on or before each July 1 thereafter, each Network shall report the results of the implementation of the Network's plan to the county board.
Added by Acts 2024, c. 303, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 304, § 1, eff. July 1, 2024.