Bill > S2585

This bill establishes a comprehensive system for tracking and supporting students in out-of-home placements, such as those under the custody of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The legislation requires creating an electronic centralized education records database that will securely store and share detailed information about students in out-of-home placements, including their academic history, placement details, guardian information, and educational support needs. The database will be managed collaboratively by the department of education, DCF, local education agencies, and school districts, with a mandate to update information weekly and immediately upon any placement or school changes. Additionally, the bill requires annual reporting on key educational outcomes for students in out-of-home placements, such as suspension rates, attendance, dropout rates, and grade-level progression. The reporting process includes monthly meetings in the first year and bi-annual meetings in subsequent years to identify and implement improvements to the system. The goal is to ensure academic continuity and provide targeted support for some of the state's most vulnerable students by creating a more transparent and responsive educational tracking system. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2585