Bill > S374

This bill introduces several key provisions aimed at improving education in Massachusetts. First, it establishes a new process for identifying and supporting schools in need of comprehensive improvement, creating a local stakeholder group of up to 11 members (including educators, parents, students, and community representatives) to develop a support and improvement plan. The plan must analyze root causes of school challenges, examine resource equity, and identify evidence-based interventions such as reduced class sizes, increased professional development, culturally responsive curriculum, and expanded early education programs. The bill limits the number of schools designated for comprehensive support to 5% statewide and ensures the support and improvement plan can be in effect for up to four years, with annual reviews and potential extensions. Additionally, the bill creates a special commission to study and recommend more authentic student, school, and district assessment methods, including alternative approaches like performance assessments and portfolios. The bill also modifies charter school funding by capping a district's charter school tuition payments at 9% of net school spending, with the commonwealth covering tuition for siblings that would push a district over that threshold. Finally, the bill provides a transition plan for districts currently in receivership, requiring them to develop a plan to end receivership within one year with support from the state department of education.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S374