DOI manages State and federal legislative requirements to ensure clarity and efficient program alignment for MSDE, local school systems, and the public. DOI collaborates on issues related to school improvement with the Divisions of Special Education/Early Intervention, Career and College Readiness, Leadership Development, Certification and Accreditation, and Student and School Services. Additionally, DOI makes recommendations to the State Superintendent and State Board of Education regarding pre-kindergarten through grade 12 programs in Athletics, English Language Learners, Fine Arts, Gifted and Talented, Health, Instructional Technology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Reading/English Language Arts, School Library/Media, Science, Social Studies, STEM Education and World Languages.

Curriculum and Related Professional Development (Judy Jenkins, x0348)   The Curriculum Team coordinates the implementation of the State Curriculum for Reading/English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, STEM Education, Environmental Education, Health Education and Physical Education, for Kindergarten through grade 12.  With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards in June 2010 by the Maryland State Board of Education, the Curriculum Team is coordinating the transition from the State Curriculum to the Maryland Common Core State Curriculum.  The Maryland Common Core State Curriculum will include the new Common Core State Standards and accompanying instructional tools for teachers and students.  In addition, this team provides leadership, coordination, and alignment of professional learning opportunities for teachers.

Assessment and Related Professional Development  (R. Scott Pfeifer, x0574)   The Assessment Unit ensures alignment and coordination between the Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) and State assessment programs. In addition, this unit provides leadership, coordination, and alignment of professional learning opportunities for teachers.  Finally, the Assessment Unit has primary responsibility for the design and implementation of all aspects of the Bridge Plan for Academic Validation.

Instructional Technology and School Library Media Program  (Val Emrich, x0382)   The Instructional Technology and School Library Media Program (ITSLM) provides leadership, coordination, and support in the implementation of the Maryland Educational Technology Plan for the new millennium: 2007-2012. The office collaborates with local school systems, institutions of higher education and other organizations to increase the integration of technology into instruction in all schools and to implement the Standards for School Library Media Programs in Maryland for the development of quality library media programs statewide.

The office leads virtual learning in Maryland through the Maryland Virtual Learning Opportunities Program, which consists of four components: the Maryland Virtual School (MVS); the HSA Online Course Project; Online Professional Development; and the Learning Object Repository Project.

In addition, ITSLM administers the federal Enhancing Education Technology Program (Title II-D), the annual Maryland Technology Survey, and the School Library Media Annual Report.  The office also oversees local school system's (LSS) technology plans as well as their compliance with Education Article 7-910 of the Public Schools - Technology for Education Act (equivalent access for students with disabilities).

Instructional Programs and Related Professional Development  (Susan Spinnato, x0349)   The Instructional Programs Branch coordinates legislative projects across the Division of Instruction and represents DOI on interdepartmental projects and initiatives in the Department of Education such as the Bridge to Excellence (BTE) Master Plan process. 

This branch administers the following federal programs articulated in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB):

• Title III, Part A:  English Language Acquisition, Language enhancement, & Academic Achievement  - Provides Federal financial support to state and local educational agencies to supplement English language instruction in order to ensure that all ELL's, including immigrant children and youth, attain English proficiency, develop high levels of academic language proficiency in English, and meet the same challenging State academic achievement standards as all Maryland students are expected to meet. 

In addition, this unit is responsible for the following instructional programs: 

• Gifted and Talented Education (including the Maryland Summer Centers and the College Board/MSDE partnership for Advanced Placement Programs)
• The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA)
• The Reginald F. Lewis Maryland Museum of African American History and Culture.
  
  • The Museum Is As Much About the Future As the Past
  • Education
• World Languages