For Immediate Release: October 2004

Baltimore, MD -- Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) awarded Optimal Solutions Group (Optimal) a consulting contract to analyze patterns of disproportionate representation in special education and to identify solutions for remedying problems where they exist. Disproportionate representation typically refers to the over-representation of children of color, and African American in particular, among students eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Optimal's consulting services for MSDE's Division of Special Education and Early Intervention will include a formal analysis of October 2004 child count data, written recommendations for reducing disproportionate representation in special education, and technical assistance for state and local special education administrators. This contract adds to Optimal's expanding education practice that includes the National Charter School Evaluation with Mathematica Policy Research, work with the U.S. State Department to model the economic impact of its international exchange programs, and emerging work with the SAS Institute to assist school districts in data driven decision making. The duration of the contract with MSDE is from October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005.

Optimal has served the needs of numerous governmental and commercial clients, including federal and state agencies, community-based organizations, business associations, and law firms.

For more information, contact Mark Turner, 443.451.7060 or mturner@optimalsolutionsgroup.com.