Student Advisory Council

History of the Student Advisory Council

How did the SSAC get started?

  • The SSAC was established by the Massachusetts State Legislature with Chapter 1009 of the Acts of 1971 as one of the first organizations to provide for direct student involvement in statewide decision-making in education. Then Governor Francis W. Sargent filed this legislation stating, "If we are to replace confrontation with deliberation and shouting with dialogue, youth must be invited in, not shut out. We have ... a climate where young and old can sit together, talk, and listen." Through students' voices, as represented on the Board of Education, Massachusetts has displayed the value it places in student involvement in the educational decision-making process.

SSAC Impact Throughout the Years

Since the council's inception, the students have impacted a number of issues across the Commonwealth. Below is a historical summation of selected accomplishments throughout the council's existence to reflect the range of concerns and variety of actions students in the past have prioritized.

  • The SSAC has written, filed, & lobbied for passage of a number of laws that affect students. Including:
    • The amendment to include sexual orientation in the anti-discrimination law that protects students based on race, sex, religion, color, national origin.
    • The right to petition for a course in the law on Curriculum Innovation
    • The establishment of Student Advisory Committees to School Committees.

  • SSAC has also lent its support to legislation regarding bullying prevention, busing to desegregate schools, the gay rights bill, sexual harassment protection, and violence prevention education.

  • SSAC has proven that students can have an impact on education, and has served as the model for other states, organizations and countries that want to actively involve students. They see SSAC as a pioneering and powerful ally.

  • SSAC has sponsored conferences and workshops for students addressing such issues as student rights and responsibilities, biases, and Education Reform; organized speak outs and rallies urging passage of Education Reform and the law to prohibit discrimination against students (C.622); as well as producing a public service announcement addressing diversity.

  • SSAC members have participated in deliberations, as equal partners with adults, regarding the development of the Education Reform Act, the Curriculum Frameworks, and the recommendations on Time & Learning.

Last Updated: April 8, 2025