Education Laws and Regulations

Notice of Public Comment on Amendments to 603 CMR 27.00, Student Learning Time Regulations — Adopted as Emergency Regulations on 3/5/2021

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 March 5, 2021. The amendments provide the Commissioner with the authority to determine when hybrid and remote models will no longer count towards meeting the required student learning time hours. Consistent with the regulations, the amendments prioritize in-person instruction. The regulations are presented on an emergency basis to allow them to take effect immediately, to return more students to full-time, in-person learning with appropriate school-based mitigation measures in place. 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 May 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 April 23, 2021. The Board is expected to vote on the proposed permanent regulations at its regular monthly meeting in May 2021.