Bill > H589

This bill amends the existing law to establish a set of statewide educational goals and standards for public elementary and secondary schools in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Allowing for flexibility and interdisciplinary learning in setting academic standards, which should not be overly prescriptive or narrow the curriculum. 2. Encouraging the provision of need-based, intensive instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics to help students meet grade-level expectations, without depriving them of other important subjects or activities. 3. Establishing a process for developing academic standards through committees of teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, with opportunities for public input and review. 4. Limiting the time allowed for state-mandated competency testing, with no more than 2 hours total for elementary students and 3 hours total for middle and high school students. 5. Providing for three types of educational certifications: a competency determination, a certificate of mastery, and a certificate of occupational proficiency, with the goal of allowing diverse pathways to graduation and beyond. Overall, the bill aims to evolve educational standards in Massachusetts to support more interdisciplinary, need-based instruction and reduce excessive testing time, while maintaining a focus on essential academic skills and knowledge.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H589