Bill > H731

This bill aims to enhance accountability and address disparities in student suspension and expulsion across Massachusetts school districts. It requires the state commissioner of education to establish statewide targets for reducing achievement, suspension, and expulsion disparities among different student subgroups, considering factors like race, socioeconomic status, disability, and English language learner status. Each school district must develop a comprehensive three-year evidence-based plan to meet these targets, consulting with parents, community stakeholders, and educators. The plan must include specific interventions like expanded learning time, social services, professional development, early education programming, and alternative disciplinary approaches such as restorative justice and positive behavioral interventions. Districts will be required to submit annual reports detailing their progress, including data on student achievement, suspension rates, and lost instruction days, which will be made publicly available. The bill also introduces new definitions for terms like "disparate rate of lost instruction" and mandates that the commissioner investigate and recommend improvements for schools with significant suspension or disproportionate disciplinary actions. Additionally, the bill requires detailed reporting and cross-tabulation of discipline data by various student characteristics, with the goal of creating more equitable and supportive educational environments.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H731