Bill > H655

This bill establishes a Comprehensive and Inclusive Curriculum Trust Fund to support the development and implementation of a more diverse and representative educational curriculum in Massachusetts public schools. The fund will be administered by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and can receive both public and private funding to support curriculum development, professional development, and grant programs. The bill requires public schools to provide instruction that accurately represents and includes the histories, experiences, and contributions of historically underrepresented and marginalized cultural and ethnic groups across all subject areas. This includes studying literature, art, and contributions of these groups, as well as examining complex historical topics like slavery, segregation, colonial settlement, and discriminatory policies. The curriculum must be appropriate for students of all backgrounds and identities, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be responsible for developing framework standards with input from educators, scholars, and community stakeholders. The department will also provide professional development, create implementation tools, and conduct a public review of the curriculum standards every three years to ensure ongoing improvement and effectiveness.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H655