Education Laws and Regulations

Notice of Public Comment for the Proposed Permanent Amendments to the Student Learning Time Regulations, 603 CMR 27.00, Adopted as Emergency Regulations on 12/15/2020

Pursuant to its authority under M.G.L. c. 69, §§ 1B and 1G, 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 emergency amendments to 603 CMR 27.00, Student Learning Time Regulations.

The emergency amendments were adopted by the Board on December 15, 2020. The amendments establish minimum standards for live and synchronous instruction that districts and schools operating hybrid and remote learning models must provide. The regulations are presented on an emergency basis to allow them to take effect immediately to help address critical needs of students, including the distressing increase in the mental health challenges students are facing. The emergency amendments 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 amendments at its meeting in February 2021.

Copies of the proposed amendments are available on the Department's website, or by calling 781-338-3429. Written comments on the regulation may be submitted by mail to: Mary E. Morales, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148; by fax to: 781-338-3390; or by e-mail to: mary.e.morales@mass.gov. The deadline for submission of public comment is January 29, 2021. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed permanent regulations at its regular monthly meeting in February 2021.

Please see Emergency Regulation Amendments voted by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on December 15, 2020.