Bill > H620

This bill aims to enhance educational opportunities and rights for incarcerated youth across Massachusetts correctional facilities. The bill mandates that public secondary schools must credit coursework completed by students in institutional settings toward graduation requirements and include such coursework on official transcripts. For youth in correctional facilities, the legislation requires a minimum of 6 hours of classroom instruction every weekday, 12 months per year, with opportunities to receive high school credits, graduate, pursue high school equivalency (like GED), pursue higher education, and receive vocational training. The bill also ensures special education services for eligible students, requiring facilities to conduct intake procedures to identify students with special education needs and provide appropriate educational support. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the importance of treating individuals under 26 with guidance and support, focusing on positive youth development. The bill mandates interpretation and translation services for English Language Learners to ensure meaningful access to educational resources and processes. Importantly, the legislation allows for reasonable modifications to individual education plans to accommodate correctional environment limitations while still maintaining the goal of providing a free and appropriate public education.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H620