Nancy Grasmick, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools (center) talks with Steve Geppi (center-right) following the press conference.

It seems that comics and schools do mix after all.

With local media well represented on Thursday, May 3, 2007, at Geppi's Entertainment Museum, the Maryland State Department of Education (MDSE) announced that teachers piloting the state's unique Maryland Comics in the Classroom Initiative rate the program an effective, enjoyable education tool that enhances student interest in reading and produces positive results.

Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick, Jonathan Yaged, Vice-President and U.S. publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Diamond Comic Distributors President and CEO Steve Geppi were among the officials on hand with area teachers, principals, parents and students at the museum for the announcement.

According to MDSE, the Comics in the Classroom program uses classic Disney comics in 10 active lessons for the third and fourth grades. Working with Disney Publishing Worldwide and Diamond Comic Distributors, MSDE developed materials for several grade levels that are being piloted at various schools throughout the state.

“Reading is such an important activity for all children, and using comic book-related lessons offers teachers an important new tool to draw students into the world of words,” Dr. Grasmick said. “This project enhances other work that goes on in the reading class. Comic books and graphic novels cannot replace other forms of literature, but they can be an entry point for some reluctant readers.”

MSDE's broader graphic literature program, the Comic Book Initiative, began in September 2004 to explore the use of comics and graphic novels in classroom settings. It was developed by a creative team that includes award-winning teachers, reading specialists, educational administrators, library specialists, comic book authors, and publishers. This unique statewide project does not mandate comic books or replace traditional classroom materials. Rather, the program provides options for teachers as they seek to encourage reading in students of all ages.

“We are proud to work with the Maryland State Department of Education and Diamond Comic Distributors on this groundbreaking initiative,” Yaged said. “It is inspiring to see how Disney characters and comics can be used in the classroom to help children read and learn.”

“Promoting the legitimate applications of comics as an educational tool has long been a passion of mine,” said Diamond Comic Distributors President and CEO Steve Geppi. “Comics are the foundation on which my fervor for reading developed, and it's validating to see the students of Maryland using comics as learning tools.”

Editor's note: In his regular column next week, Geppi's Entertainment Museum Curator Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg will address this topic, and we'll also have some more photos of this momentous event for you.