Bill > H650

This bill makes several important changes to Massachusetts education law to improve support and access for English learners and students with disabilities. The first section modifies evaluation procedures for English learners, requiring school committees to consider the student's English language proficiency during assessments, provide evaluations in the student's primary language, and ensure that Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams include members with expertise in second language acquisition. The second section prohibits school districts from recommending that parents decline English learner program services for scheduling or administrative reasons. The third section mandates that the state board of education ensure meaningful communication between school personnel and parents by using interpreters and translators who are bilingual, knowledgeable about specialized terms, and trained in interpretation ethics. The fourth section expands English language acquisition programs to address potential academic deficits resulting from language learning. The fifth section directs the department of education to maintain and enforce certain federal special education regulations, and the final section adds immigration or citizenship status and disability to the list of characteristics protected against discrimination in school enrollment. Overall, the bill aims to provide more comprehensive and equitable educational support for English learners and students with disabilities.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H650