Bill > S420

This bill amends Massachusetts law to support student participation in 4-H programs by allowing students to be credited as present for up to 5 school days when participating in 4-H activities, similar to an educational field trip. Schools must not count these days as absences and must provide students the opportunity to make up any missed schoolwork without negatively impacting their grades. Massachusetts 4-H agents can be required to provide documentation of a student's participation if requested by a school committee. However, students cannot be credited as present during Massachusetts comprehensive assessment system (MCAS) testing periods or if they are currently suspended or expelled. The provisions of this bill will take effect starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, and it aims to recognize 4-H programs as valuable educational experiences that should not penalize students' academic standing. 4-H is a youth development program sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and state land-grant universities that provides educational opportunities in areas such as agriculture, science, and leadership.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S420