Amendment #5, as changed to H4644

Commission to study digital education portfolio system to support educational stability and wellbeing of foster youth

Mr. LeBoeuf of Worcester moves to amend the bill, as amended, by striking out the amendment in its entirety and inserting in place thereof the following:-

Mr. LeBoeuf of Worcester moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 47 the following section:-

SECTION 47A. (a) There shall be established a commission to study, report and make recommendations on the creation and implementation of a digital education portfolio system to support the educational stability and well-being of foster children and youth in the commonwealth. The commission shall: (i) evaluate the current processes by which the department of children and families and the department of elementary and secondary education collect, manage and share the educational records of foster children and youth; (ii) develop recommendations for the design and implementation of a secure and accessible digital education portfolio system to ensure the educational stability of foster children and youth; (iii) identify and assess data privacy, interoperability and record transfer standards necessary to protect student information and support timely school transitions; (iv) examine best practices from other states and jurisdictions that maintain centralized education record systems for children and youth in the care and custody of the state’s or jurisdiction’s department of children and families or equivalent agency; and (v) determine appropriate access protocols for educators, foster parents, caseworkers, medical providers and other authorized individuals.

(b) The commission shall consist of: 6 persons appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a current or former foster youth, 1 of whom shall be a foster parent, 1 of whom shall have expertise in foster care or child welfare policy, 1 of whom shall represent an education advocacy organization, 1 of whom shall have expertise in education data systems or student records management and 1 of whom shall represent a child welfare or youth-serving nonprofit organization; the chairs of the joint committee on children, families and persons with disabilities, who shall be co-chairs; the commissioner of children and families or a designee; the commissioner of elementary and secondary education or a designee; the child advocate or a designee; the secretary of education or a designee; 1 person appointed by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc.; 1 person appointed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association; 1 person appointed by the Massachusetts Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc.; and 1 person appointed by the Service Employees International Union Local 509.

(c) Not later than November 30, 2026, the commission shall submit its report and recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the house and senate committees on ways and means. Recommendations shall include, but shall not be limited to, strategies, programs and legislation necessary to implement the digital education portfolio system and strengthen coordination between the department of children and families, educational agencies and any other relevant child welfare agencies.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #5, as changed to H4644

Commission to study digital education portfolio system to support educational stability and wellbeing of foster youth