HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3479        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Nicholas A. Boldyga

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to facilitate homeschooling and encourage educational innovation.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 3479        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act to facilitate homeschooling and encourage educational innovation.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary,

(a) Any parent or legal guardian wishing to educate their child at home shall only be required to submit a one-time letter of intent to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) indicating their decision to homeschool. No further annual notifications are required unless the family moves to a different district.

(b) The letter of intent shall include the name, age, and grade level of each child being homeschooled, the address where the homeschooling will take place, and a statement of intent to provide an education in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth.

Section 2. Curriculum and Assessment

(a) Homeschooling families shall have the autonomy to choose the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational materials without state oversight, except where such education must include basic subjects like reading, writing, history, civics, math, and science.

(b) No state-mandated assessments or standardized testing shall be required for homeschooled students unless the parent opts into such assessments voluntarily.

Section 3. Educational Innovation and Alternative Models

(a) Establishment. Any individual or group may establish an alternative education model by registering with the DESE as an "Educational Innovation Entity" (EIE). This registration shall not require any specific credentials or state approval beyond the submission of a basic educational plan.

(b) Plan Contents. The educational plan shall outline the educational philosophy or model, the primary subjects or skills to be taught, and methods of evaluation or demonstration of student progress, which may include portfolios, exhibitions, or other non-traditional assessments.

(c) Funding and Support. The state shall create an "Innovation in Education Fund" to which EIEs can apply for grants to support curriculum development, facility costs, or other educational expenses. This fund will be supported by reallocating a portion of the education budget based on the number of students in alternative models and seeking private donations or federal grants aimed at educational innovation.

(d) Regulatory Relief. EIEs are exempt from traditional public school regulations concerning teacher certification, curriculum standards, and mandatory standardized testing, and from local zoning laws specifically related to educational use, provided safety and health codes are met.

(e) Student Enrollment. Students enrolled in an EIE shall be considered as fulfilling compulsory education requirements. They may also participate in public school extracurricular activities if agreed upon by local school districts.

Section 4. Oversight and Accountability

(a) While specific state oversight is minimized, EIEs must maintain records of student progress and be prepared to provide them if a complaint is lodged against the entity concerning educational quality or child welfare.

(b) The DESE shall conduct periodic, non-intrusive reviews of EIEs to ensure broad compliance with the educational objectives set forth in their plans, focusing on student outcomes rather than process.