2006 Massachusetts Code - Chapter 15A — Section 2. Advisory committee on education policy; powers and duties.

Section 2. There shall be an advisory committee on education policy, hereinafter called the committee, consisting of the executive committees of the board of education and the board of higher education. The committee shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) to study and report on issues common to higher education and to public early childhood, elementary, secondary, or vocational-technical schools;

(b) to serve as a forum for discussion between the lay boards responsible for overseeing public education in the commonwealth;

(c) to serve as a public forum for discussion of general education goals for the commonwealth;

(d) to develop goals for a coordinated system from early childhood through higher education at the university level, and make recommendations to appropriate boards or groups relative to such;

(e) to build public support and understanding of education;

(f) to encourage and facilitate partnerships between and among public early childhood, elementary, secondary, and vocational-technical schools with institutions of higher learning;

(g) to articulate, through study and discussions, the vital connection between high quality public education and future economic growth and development in the commonwealth;

(h) to encourage and facilitate partnerships between schools and businesses to improve the delivery of educational services;

(i) to articulate goals for accountability and high standards of quality for the entire system of education in the commonwealth, in consultation with parents, students, educators, business representatives, community officials and the public at-large;

(j) to advise the governor and the general court relative to any issue within its purview; and,

(k) to encourage contributions and grants to schools from businesses, foundations, or any other viable and appropriate funding source.

The committee may utilize subcommittees of the full committee to accomplish any of the duties required of it. Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant the committee any authority vested in the board of education or the board of higher education.

The committee shall be chaired by the secretary of education.

The committee shall meet at least four times annually and at other times at the call of the chairman of the board of education, the chairman of the board of higher education, or the secretary of education.