5. Registration for Student Government Day Still Open:
There is still space available for the 73rd annual Student Government Day program that will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 3 at the State House. All public and private schools are invited to elect and register two students. Don’t miss the opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students to take on the roles of senators, representatives, judges, or constitutional officers for an immersive experience in government. Registration closes Friday, February 7. For more information, visit the Student Government Day website.
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6. Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure:
The Department is seeking providers to implement the Performance Review Program for Initial Licensure (PRPIL). The program is a mechanism through which a provisionally licensed Massachusetts teacher can demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for an initial license. The bid solicitation/request for responses is posted online. See attachment A for full guidance, including information about submitting inquiries. Responses must be uploaded by 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, March 2.
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7. Save the Date for the Civics Literacy Conference:
The Department is pleased to again host the annual Civics Literacy Conference, which this year will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate and select rooms at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. This conference is a convening of representatives from educators from K-16 as well as leaders from state and community organizations to promote high-quality civics teaching and learning. Events will include an opening plenary, a panel discussion, and more than 20 workshops on civics knowledge and skills. The Department will announce when registration is open and when workshop proposals will be accepted.
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8. Hate Crimes Task Force Education Recommendations:
In November 2017, Governor Baker re-established the Hate Crimes Task Force through Executive Order 578. The task force developed recommendations for educators and local law enforcement officials to help educate students about the impact of hate crimes and to highlight best practices for responding to incidents if they occur.
The recommendations call for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, in coordination with DESE, to develop a resource guide for district and school leaders. That work is in progress. In the meantime, anyone with questions about how to implement any of the recommendations can contact DESE Safe and Healthy Schools Coordinator Anne Gilligan at 781-338-6309 or agilligan@doe.mass.edu.
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9. Publication Day to Change:
In response to a request from superintendents, the Commissioner’s Weekly Update will transition to Monday publication. There will not be a Commissioner’s Weekly Update on Friday, January 17. Instead, the next edition will be come out on Tuesday, January 21, after Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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