Bill > S457

This bill establishes the Commonwealth Middle School Innovation Fund to provide grants and support for local school district programs focusing on project-centered group learning for students in grades 5-8. The fund aims to support educational approaches that integrate multiple subject areas like science and mathematics, promote learning across different student skill levels, and comply with state education time requirements. Funding will come from legislative appropriations, gifts, and grants, and will be administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which will distribute funds equitably across different geographic regions and school district sizes. The bill creates a Commonwealth Middle School Innovation Council to advise the department, comprising 13 members including the education and economic development secretaries, school committee and superintendent representatives, middle school educators, parents, a labor organization representative, and a higher education expert. The council will meet at least twice annually in public sessions. The department must produce an annual report detailing grant recipients, innovative programs, replication opportunities, and recommendations, which will be filed with the state legislature and made publicly accessible by December 31st each year. Grants can be used for personnel costs, curriculum development, and materials to support innovative learning approaches.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S457