Amendment #5 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 inserting after section 36 the following section:

SECTION 36A. (a) There shall be a special commission established to study, develop, and make recommendations regarding 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 in care; (v) determine appropriate access protocols for educators, foster parents, caseworkers, medical providers, and other authorized individuals; and (vi) recommend strategies, programs, and legislation necessary to implement the digital education portfolio system and strengthen coordination between child welfare and educational agencies. The commission shall submit a report of its study and recommendations to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than November 30, 2026.

(b) The commission shall consist of: 3 persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 1 of whom shall have expertise in foster care or child welfare policy and 1 of whom shall represent an education advocacy organization; 3 persons appointed by the senate president, 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; 1 member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; 1 member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate; 2 persons appointed by the governor, 1 of whom shall be a current or former foster youth and 1 of whom shall be a foster parent; 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. The speaker of the house of representatives and the senate president shall each designate a co-chair from their respective appointees.

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