297) and State law (Code Education Article, secs.
8-101 through 8-107). The Division coordinates
migrant education programs and supervises educa-
tional programs for neglected and delinquent chil-
dren in local and State juvenile institutions and
adult correctional institutions. The Division also
helps local school systems establish instructional
programs that promote adult literacy and train
parents to help their children learn.
The Division helps local school systems and
community-based organizations develop, imple-
ment, and evaluate programs in guidance, pupil
personnel, psychology, health, career employability
development, and alternative programs for disrup-
tive and at-risk students. The Division allocates
federal and State funds to local school systems
serving these youth. The Division also works to
ensure that homeless children and youth have ac-
cess to public education. In addition, the Division
oversees an innovative educational program—the
Rural School Nurses Program.

COMPENSATORY & MIGRANT EDUCATION
BRANCH
Ronald E. Friend, Ed.D., Chief
(410) 333-2412

The Compensatory and Migrant Education
Branch was created in 1988. The Branch helps local
school systems and other agencies design, imple-
ment, and evaluate educational programs for edu-
cationally disadvantaged children. These programs
include State Dedicated Compensatory Education;
Chapter 1 Compensatory Education; Migrant
Education; Even-Start Family Literacy; and Home-
less Children and Youth.

PUPIL SERVICES & DRUG FREE SCHOOLS
BRANCH
Mary K. Albrittain, Chief
(410) 333-2433

The Pupil Services Branch was formed in 1966
and renamed Pupil Services and Drug Free Schools
Branch in 1992. The Branch assists local school
systems with programs for guidance, pupil person-
nel, school psychology, school health, alternative
programs for disruptive students, drug and alcohol
abuse prevention and intervention, child abuse and
youth suicide prevention, and pregnant and parent-
ing teens. The Branch also provides information
and collects data relating to students taught at
home.

DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS ADVISORY COUNCIL
Chairperson: Monroe J. Fuller, Chief, Drug-Free
Schools Section
(410) 333-2436

In August 1987, the Drug-Free Schools Advi-
sory Council was created within the State Depart-

ment of Education. The Council advises the De-
partment and the State Superintendent of Schools
on issues of drug-abuse prevention and interven-
tion that affect schools and school-aged youth. The
Council also reviews grant applications for federal
Drug-Free Schools funds, and selects schools to
serve as models for the Drug-Free Schools Pro-
gram.

CAREER & EMPLOYABILITY
DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
Irene Penn Hechler, Chief
(410) 333-2426

The Career and Employability Development
Branch was formed in 1989. The Branch helps local
school systems and other agencies design, imple-
ment, and evaluate programs, services, and strate-
gies to prepare youth for employment. The Branch
works to encourage school attendance and ease the
transition from school to work. The Branch also
manages and administers the Maryland's Tomorrow
Program (drop-out prevention) and the Job Train-
ing Partnership Act Program.

DIVISION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Richard J. Steinke, Assistant State Superintendent
for Special Education

200 West Baltimore St.
Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 333-2491
TTY for deaf: (410) 333-2666

Established in 1988, the Division of Special
Education administers State and federal programs
for handicapped children and youth. In compliance
with State and federal mandates, the Division helps
local school systems provide educational programs
for all handicapped children and youth. The Divi-
sion offers assistance to parents seeking public spe-
cial education for their handicapped children. To
provide a comprehensive service network to handi-
capped children, the Division also cooperates and
collaborates with other State agencies.
The Division assists local school systems with
individual education plans, nondiscriminatory test-
ing, early childhood programs, personnel develop-
ment, and program evaluation. It also supervises
educational programs and services in approved
public and private institutions and assesses the edu-
cational needs of children with profound or com-
plex handicaps.