Sec. 13a.01.06.05. Monitoring and Reporting

A. Each local school system shall:

(1) Address implementation of the equity policy through its Local ESSA Consolidated Strategic Plan;

(2) Beginning September 1, 2019, include its equity initiatives as an integrated component of its Local ESSA Consolidated Strategic Plan; and

(3) Beginning September 1, 2020, and every 3 years thereafter, in its Local ESSA Consolidated Strategic Plan, submit to the State Superintendent an analysis of the results of the accountability measures related to data collected on achieving equity goals and objectives that will be published and made accessible to the public.

B. The Maryland State Department of Education shall:

(1) Conduct needs assessments for the Department and local school systems;

(2) Convene the Network for Equity and Excellence in Education with representation from each local school system and other stakeholders to review Statewide progress and to develop implementation and peer review guidelines for this chapter;

(3) Develop a guide for implementation of equity initiatives at the local level which includes sample components of high-quality equity policies, guidance around how to apply an equity lens within priority birth-age 21 focus areas as defined by the Department, and strategies on how to measure and evaluate the application of an equity lens; and

(4) Review and assess progress of the Department and local school systems on implementing the requirements of this chapter.

C. Beginning December 1, 2020, and every 3 years thereafter, the State Superintendent shall report progress on the implementation of this chapter to the State Board, publish the data, and make it easily accessible for public viewing.

D. Beginning in 2020 and annually thereafter, the State Board of Education and the Superintendent will recognize schools, school staff, and local school systems that demonstrate the most significant advances in promoting equity and excellence.