Understanding the Difference Between Critical Race Theory and Educational Equity

School Committees throughout Massachusetts are becoming aware of the emergence of Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a matter of controversy. Public meetings have become a forum for critics of and advocates for the inclusion of race as an element of curriculum and instruction, but many educators, parents, and students have not had a thorough explanation of the issue. Some School Committee meetings have included public comments and even demonstrations related to CRT, creating for some stakeholders and members of the public confusion about what CRT is, what it isn’t, and how our pursuits of educational equity, diversity in public education, and inclusion of people, issues, and philosophies are impacted.

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Public Policy Updates: June 2021 Board of Ed

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education had their regular June meeting on June 22, 2021 at 9 am. The agenda for the meeting can be found online here. Video of the meeting can be found here. 

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2021 MASC Summer Institute

Esser Dollars. Equity. Efficacy. Cost Efficiencies.

Join your colleagues and other school leaders at MASC’s popular Summer Institute program, designed to help you anticipate—and prepare for—some of the critical social/emotional and financial challenges districts will confront as they plan for post-pandemic school reopenings.

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Public Policy Updates: May 2021 Board of Ed meeting

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education met on May 25, 2021 at 9 am. The agenda for this meeting can be found online here. Video coverage of the meeting can be found here. 

Traditionally, the May meeting of the Board is hosted by the district of the ongoing student representative; this was not done at this meeting due to the pandemic. Board Chair Katherine Craven said she hoped that the Board might still be able to meet in Billerica, hometown of student member Jared Coughlin, before the Board's summer recess.

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Sexual Harassment Policy Under Development

Schools have legal obligations to address sexual harassment under both federal (Title IX) and state (MGL c. 76, s. 5; c. 151C, s. 2) law. Schools must have policies and procedures that comply with both sets of obligations. Federal regulations concerning sexual harassment have recently changed. A new template policy that will cover both federal and state obligations is under development and will be posted when it is ready. In the meantime, schools should consult counsel and have in place state- and federally- compliant policies and procedures.

Legislative Bulletin - 2022 Senate Ways & Means Budget Proposal

The Massachusetts Senate Ways & Means Committee recently released its Budget recommendations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021. The $149.1 million budget makes a number of targeted investments to address the emerging needs of the Commonwealth as we recover from the lasting impacts of this pandemic. MASC General Counsel Stephen Finnegan has released an overview and brief analysis of the proposal as it relates to public schools in a new Legislative Bulletin.

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