State Steps in Under NCLB in Baltimore

Maryland First to Use Powers; 11 Schools Face Big Changes

Maryland became the first state to use its authority under the No Child Left Behind Act to seize control of failing schools, as the state board of education this week ordered new management at 11 middle and high schools in Baltimore.

Nancy S. Grasmick, Maryland’s superintendent of schools, led the push to take over four high schools and to shrink the district’s role in operating seven middle schools.

The vote set off a firestorm in Baltimore. State lawmakers who represent the city rushed to introduce a bill to delay the state takeover, and Brian Morris, the chairman of the Baltimore school board, suggested the district...