Requiring accountability for inequities in suspension and expulsion or RAISE Act
Impact
If enacted, S380 will require each school district to set specific targets for reducing suspension and expulsion rates that are consistent with state guidelines. Furthermore, each district must develop a three-year evidence-based plan to achieve these targets, incorporating feedback from key stakeholders, including parents and educational councils. The bill seeks to create a systematic approach to improve educational outcomes, focusing on vulnerable populations such as English learners and students with disabilities, which could lead to significant changes in how schools handle discipline and promote achievement.
Summary
Senate Bill S380, also known as the RAISE Act, aims to address the persistent inequities in suspension and expulsion rates within public schools in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that the commissioner of education establish statewide targets to reduce disparities in academic achievement and disciplinary actions among different student subgroups. This legislation emphasizes the importance of creating equitable educational environments and ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities in their schooling experience.
Contention
While the intent of S380 is to promote equity and accountability, its implementation could bring about debate among educators and policymakers. Proponents argue that focused initiatives on reducing suspensions and expulsions will foster a more inclusive learning environment and address systemic issues in school discipline. Critics, however, may contend that the bill could place unrealistic expectations on schools without providing adequate resources to meet these targets. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding how standardized benchmarks may overlook the unique challenges faced by individual districts.
Requiring each school district to establish an at-risk student accountability plan and to show academic improvement in certain student subgroups and students identified as eligible for at-risk programs, prohibiting the state board of education from revising the curriculum standards in English language arts and mathematics until 75% of all students achieve proficiency and requiring school districts to comply with all state laws and rules and regulations to maintain accreditation.