Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, §§ 1B and 1G, and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, M.G.L. c. 30A, § 3, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) is soliciting public comment on emergency amendments to 603 CMR 27.00, Student Learning Time Regulations.
The emergency amendments were adopted by the Board on June 30, 2020. Emergency adoption of the amendments was necessary to allow them to take effect immediately, in conjunction with the Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance published by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on June 25, 2020. The emergency amendments will be in effect for up to three months, during which time the Board invites public comment. After the public comment is reviewed, the Board plans to vote on permanent amendments at its meeting in September 2020.
The proposed permanent amendments establish health and safety standards for providing structured learning time to students during a declared state of emergency or other exigent circumstances that adversely affect the safe environment of schools. The regulatory framework supports the planning that must be done this summer to promote the safe return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings in the fall, to maximize learning and address students' holistic needs.
Copies of the proposed permanent regulations are available on the Department's website, or by calling 781-338-3429. Written comments on the regulation may be submitted by mail to: Mary E. Morales, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148; by fax to: 781-338-3390; or by e-mail to: mary.e.morales@mass.gov. The deadline for submission of public comment is August 28, 2020. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed permanent regulation at its regular monthly meeting in September, 2020.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.