Notice of Public Comment for the Proposed New Regulations, 603 CMR 55.00, Student Opportunity Act Plans, (voted as emergency regulations by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on February 25, 2020.
Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, § 1B, 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 proposed new regulations, 603 CMR 55.00, Student Opportunity Act Plans.
The regulations were adopted by the Board on February 25, 2020 as emergency regulations. Emergency adoption of these regulations was necessary in order to implement the new state law, Student Opportunity Act, St. 2019, c.132, (SOA), that requires school districts to submit plans to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education by April 1, 2020. The emergency regulations 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 regulations at its meeting on May 19, 2020.
The regulations are necessary to implement and interpret the SOA, and provide direction to school districts for the submission and review of required evidence-based three-year district plans to address persistent disparities in achievement among student subgroups.
Copies of the proposed permanent regulations are available on the Department's website at http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/, or by calling 781-338-3502.
Written comments on the regulations may be submitted by mail to:
Tricia Federico Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 by fax to: 781-338-3318 by e-mail to: SOARegulations@mass.gov.
The deadline for submission of public comment is April 10, 2020. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed permanent regulations at its regular monthly meeting scheduled for May 19, 2020.
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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