(a)    (1)    To establish a pilot under the Program, an applicant shall submit to the Department and the Maryland Department of Labor a plan that describes in detail the pilot operator, the pilot program description, the proposed curriculum, assessment procedures, performance standards, wraparound services, the budget, and the proposed bylaws adopted by the pilot’s Advisory Board.

(2)    The plan under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:

(i)    The proposed curriculum and performance standards that align with the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards;

(ii)    Initial student intake assessment procedures;

(iii)    Plans for the provision of remedial instruction to prepare students for secondary–level academic instruction, if necessary;

(iv)    Plans for working with students with disabilities;

(v)    A description of assessment instruments for measuring student progress and college and career readiness;

(vi)    A description of any programs or partnerships with organizations or businesses for providing job skills, industry certifications, or higher education credits;

(vii)    The wraparound services offered;

(viii)    A description of the advisory and coaching services that provide support for students to:

1.    Establish career pathways in high need and growth industry sectors; and

2.    Make effective transitions into postsecondary education and industry credentialing opportunities;

(ix)    The pilot’s governance plan;

(x)    A detailed budget for the initial 3–year operating period that demonstrates the pilot’s financial self–sufficiency; and

(xi)    Plans for working with English language learners.

(b)    Within 60 days of the date of receipt of a plan submitted under subsection (a) of this section:

(1)    The Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Labor, shall approve or disapprove the pilot’s curriculum; and

(2)    If the Department approves the pilot’s curriculum under item (1) of this subsection, the Department, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Labor, shall approve or disapprove the applicant’s plan and pilot.

(c)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, within 30 days of the date of approval of the plan and pilot under subsection (b)(2) of this section and in accordance with the authority of the State Board under § 2–205 of this article to grant waivers from regulations adopted by the State Board, the State Board shall grant the pilot a waiver from any regulation that conflicts with the purpose and goals of the pilot’s plan approved by the Department, including the student service requirement in COMAR 13A.03.02.05.

(2)    A waiver required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may not be granted related to assessment requirements in COMAR 13A.03.02.06.

(d)    A pilot shall:

(1)    Be subject to the requirements of § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and

(2)    Provide accommodations equal to those a student would qualify for under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act if a student has a disability with an educational impact.