Bill > S436

This bill aims to improve educational support and protections for English learners and students with special needs by making several key changes to Massachusetts education law. The bill requires that when evaluating English learners for potential special education services, assessments must be conducted in the student's primary language and administered in the most accurate way possible. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) team must now include members with expertise in second language acquisition who can distinguish between language barriers and actual disabilities. The bill prohibits school districts from recommending that parents decline English learner services, even for scheduling reasons. Additionally, it mandates that school communication with parents must involve trained, bilingual interpreters who understand specialized educational terminology and maintain confidentiality. The bill also requires that English language acquisition programs address any academic deficits that may have occurred while students were focusing on learning English. Furthermore, the bill expands anti-discrimination protections in school enrollment to explicitly include immigration or citizenship status and disability. These provisions are designed to ensure more equitable and comprehensive educational support for students who are English learners or have special needs.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S436