Amendment #1025 to H4700

Restoring Parental Rights and Transparency in Education

Mr. Boldyga of Southwick moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

"SECTION XXXX. (a) The definitions of section 2 of Chapter 70 of the general laws shall apply to this section.

(b) For the purposes of this section "instructional materials" means either printed or electronic textbooks and related core materials that are written and published primarily for use in elementary and secondary school instruction. "Instructional Materials" does not include lesson plans.

(c) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Board of Education shall direct all school districts in the Commonwealth to adopt procedures for the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the school district to review the instructional materials used in the student's classroom. The procedures shall be prominently displayed on the school districts website and annually the school committee of the school district shall provide a written or electronic copy of the procedures to the parents or guardians of each student enrolled in the school district.

(d) School districts shall provide to the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the school district a comprehensive course syllabus that includes a list and written summary of all instructional materials that will be taught by the teacher of record in the student's classes. Syllabuses shall be made available by the first day the class is in session.

(e) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Board of Education shall direct all school districts in the Commonwealth to adopt procedures for the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the school district to review the student's files and records that are maintained by the student's teacher(s) and/or school administrators. For the purposes of this section "files and records" means all information that pertains to the student, including but not limited to: (i) academic performance (ii) disciplinary issues (iii) health information (iv) and any other notes or information that is recorded and stored about the student. The procedures shall be prominently displayed on the school districts website and annually the school committee of the school district shall provide a written or electronic copy of the procedures to the parents or guardians of each student enrolled in the school district.

(f) The provisions of this section shall take effect at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #1025 to H4700

Restoring Parental Rights and Transparency in Education