For Families
This page contains important information about transition planning, testing accommodations, and community support services. If you have questions about anything here, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Thomas Edison High School of Technology
Thomas Edison High School of Technology offers hands-on career and technical education programs in fields such as automotive technology, construction, health professions, information technology, and hospitality management. These programs provide practical skills and certifications that can lead directly to employment after graduation.
Applications typically open in October and close in November, with decisions released in the spring. If your student is interested, I encourage you to apply early. I will send reminders as we get closer to the application window.
Community Support Services
Beyond school-based supports, I can help connect your family with state and community agencies that may offer additional services to support your student's transition into adulthood:
Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)— DORS is Maryland's state vocational rehabilitation agency. It helps people with disabilities prepare for and find employment through services like career counseling, job placement, vocational training, and college tuition support. For high school students, DORS offers Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which can include career exploration, job shadowing, and work-based learning experiences.
Note: To make a referral for Pre-ETS through DORS, you must first sign a consent form and return to me which gives me permission to share details about your student with DORS.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) — The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is a Maryland state agency that funds and coordinates services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services can include residential supports, day programs, employment assistance, and community participation. Unlike DORS, DDA is not focused solely on employment — it supports individuals across all areas of adult life. Eligibility is based on having a qualifying developmental disability, and there is often a waitlist, so it is important to apply early — ideally while the student is still in high school.
Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) — The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is a Maryland state agency that oversees mental health and substance use disorder services. It funds and coordinates a range of community-based supports including therapy, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and recovery programs. For transition-age students with mental health needs, BHA-funded services can help bridge the gap between school-based supports and adult mental health care.
College Board Testing Accommodations (PSAT, SAT, AP)
MCPS testing accommodations do not automatically transfer to College Board exams. To receive accommodations for the PSAT, SAT, or AP exams, families must submit a formal request through me as your student's SSD Coordinator, along with supporting documentation and a signed parent consent form.
Because the approval process can take several weeks, I encourage families to begin as early as possible — ideally at the start of the school year.
2025–2026 Testing Dates:
PSAT/NMSQT: October 15, 2025
SAT: March 2026 (date TBD by MCPS)
AP Exams: May 4–8 and May 11–15, 2026
ACT Accommodations
Students who plan to take the ACT must request accommodations separately through ACT — MCPS accommodations do not transfer. When registering for the ACT, please select Marc Lawrence as your student's Trusted Agent. This allows me to verify and submit the required documentation on your student's behalf.
Approved accommodations may include extended time, testing over multiple days, or other supports based on documented need. I will help ensure students receive appropriate support on test day once a decision is made.
Registration deadlines are typically five to six weeks before each test date. Late registration is available for an additional fee.
Please note: B-CC is not an ACT testing site. If your student chooses to take the ACT, you will have to identify an alternative testing site.
Questions? 📧 Marc_Lawrence@mcpsmd.org 📞 (240) 740-0400