Baltimore - Guidelines and standards for school performance in Maryland are changing. To help parents of school-aged children understand these new guidelines and how they promote academic success, a program featuring Nancy S. Grasmick, state superintendent of schools, will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Monday, September 14 in the University Center Ballroom at UMBC. In addition to a presentation by Grasmick, the evening will include a discussion panel and interactive displays that will allow parents to take sample test questions and learn about programs being implemented in their children's schools.

The program at UMBC will focus on questions relating to the Maryland School Performance Program (MSPP), an initiative established by the State Department of Education under the leadership of Grasmick. MSPP targets school improvement and accountability and is designed to help public school children prepare for the changes of a 21st century workplace. Included in MSPP guidelines is the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program (MSPAP), a test given to third, fifth and eighth graders in the state's public school system. Grasmick will include MSPAP in her discussion and education representatives and experts will be available to explain and demonstrate MSPAP tasks to parents.

Grasmick was appointed superintendent in September 1991 and throughout her appointment has worked toward quality schooling for all children based on high standards and accountability. Grasmick will be available after her presentation to answer questions from parents. The program is hosted by the UMBC Alumni Association, the UMBC department of education and the UMBC Academic Outreach Program, in conjunction with the Maryland State Department of Education.

For more information on the program, please call 410-455-6353; for directions to UMBC, please call 410-455-1000 or visit .