Code of Massachusetts Regulations 603 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Certainly! Here's an organized overview of the 603 Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR), which govern the operations of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE):
📘 Overview of 603 CMR
The 603 CMR encompasses a comprehensive set of regulations that guide the administration of public education in Massachusetts. These regulations are designed to ensure consistency, equity, and accountability across the state's educational institutions. They are regularly updated to reflect legislative changes, educational priorities, and public input.
🧭 Key Sections of 603 CMR
1. 603 CMR 1.00 – Charter Schools
Establishes uniform rules and procedures governing the establishment and operation of charter schools in Massachusetts. This includes guidelines on application processes, accountability measures, and operational standards. (mass.gov)
2. 603 CMR 2.00 – Accountability and Assistance for School Districts and Schools
Outlines the review processes for educational programs and services provided by public schools. It specifies the circumstances under which a school or district may be designated as underperforming or chronically underperforming, triggering accountability and assistance measures. (mass.gov)
3. 603 CMR 4.00 – Career Technical Education
Regulates vocational and technical education programs, including admissions practices, curriculum standards, and terminology updates to reflect current educational practices. Recent proposed amendments include the introduction of a weighted lottery system and changes to student demonstration of interest requirements. (sec.state.ma.us)
4. 603 CMR 7.00 – Educator Licensure and Preparation Program Approval
Establishes standards for the licensure of educators and the approval of educator preparation programs. Proposed amendments aim to authorize alternative assessments for educator licensure and introduce new endorsements, such as a Media Arts Endorsement. Additionally, changes include creating flexibilities in coursework for professional licensure and updating licensure categories. (sec.state.ma.us)
5. 603 CMR 8.00 – Kindergartens: Minimum School Age
Specifies that each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which they attain the age of six. School committees may establish their own minimum permissible age for school attendance, provided it is not older than the mandatory minimum age. (mass.gov)
6. 603 CMR 10.00 – School Finance
Addresses the financial operations of public schools, including budgeting, funding allocation, and financial accountability measures.
7. 603 CMR 14.00 – Education of English Learners
Applies to publicly funded elementary and secondary education programs and governs the provision of education to English learners, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. (mass.gov)
8. 603 CMR 17.00 – Racial Imbalance and Magnet School Programs
Provides guidelines for addressing racial imbalance in schools and the operation of magnet school programs aimed at promoting diversity and equity.(mass.gov)
9. 603 CMR 18.00 – Program and Safety Standards for Approved Public or Private Day and Residential Special Education School Programs
Sets forth standards for the operation of special education programs, including safety protocols and programmatic requirements. (mass.gov)
10. 603 CMR 23.00 – Student Records
Ensures students' and parents' rights to confidentiality, inspection, amendment, and destruction of student records, and assists local school systems in adhering to these laws. (mass.gov)
11. 603 CMR 26.00 – Access to Equal Educational Opportunity
Prohibits discrimination in public education programs and services, ensuring equal access for all students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation.
12. 603 CMR 27.00 – Student Learning Time
Defines the minimum amount of instructional time required for students at various grade levels, ensuring adequate educational opportunities.
13. 603 CMR 28.00 – Special Education
Governs the provision of special education and related services to eligible students, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. (mass.gov)
14. 603 CMR 30.00 – Standards for Competency Determination and Local Graduation Requirements
Establishes standards for student competency and local graduation requirements, including assessments and performance criteria.(mass.gov)
15. 603 CMR 31.00 – Massachusetts Certificate of Mastery and State Seal of Biliteracy
Provides criteria for awarding the Massachusetts Certificate of Mastery and the State Seal of Biliteracy to students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement and proficiency in multiple languages.(mass.gov)
16. 603 CMR 33.00 – Anti-Hazing Reporting
Requires schools to adopt anti-hazing policies and report incidents of hazing, promoting a safe and respectful school environment.
17. 603 CMR 35.00 – Evaluation of Educators
Establishes standards for the evaluation of educators, including performance criteria and processes for feedback and professional development.(mass.gov)
18. 603 CMR 41.00 – Regional School Districts
Regulates the establishment and operation of regional school districts, including governance structures, funding, and inter-district agreements. (sec.state.ma.us)
19. 603 CMR 44.00 – Educator License Renewal
Sets forth requirements for the renewal of educator licenses, including professional development and continuing education criteria.
20. 603 CMR 46.00 – Prevention of Physical Restraint and Requirements If Used
Outlines policies and procedures for the prevention of physical restraint in schools and the requirements if such restraint is used.(mass.gov)
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