2020 Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title XII - Education
Chapter 69 - Powers and Duties of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Section 1q - State Seal of Biliteracy; Award; Criteria
[ Text of section added by 2017, 138, Sec. 19. See, also, Section 1Q added by 2018, 438, Sec. 2, below.]
Section 1Q. The board of elementary and secondary education shall establish a state seal of biliteracy to be awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and not less than 1 other language in addition to English. To qualify for the seal, a student shall meet criteria established by the board.
The criteria shall include, but shall not be limited to attainment of a specified level of performance on: (i) the tenth grade English language arts exams of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System; and (ii) not less than 1 nationally recognized and readily available assessments that measure literacy in a language other than English or an equivalent alternative that the board may establish.
The department shall develop an insignia to be affixed to the diploma or transcript of a student who has been awarded a state seal of biliteracy and make the insignia available to school districts in an electronic format for the preparation of diplomas.
A school district that awards the state seal of biliteracy shall maintain appropriate records to identify students who have earned a state seal of biliteracy and affix the appropriate insignia to the diploma or transcript of a student who earns a state seal of biliteracy.
Chapter 69: Section 1Q. Financial literacy standards; implementation
[ Text of section added by 2018, 438, Sec. 2 effective until February 24, 2020. Repealed by 2019, 132, Sec. 5. See, also, Section 1Q added by 2017, 138, Sec. 19, above.]
Section 1Q. (a) Financial literacy standards established pursuant to section 1D shall promote an understanding of personal finances including, but not limited to: (i) loans; (ii) interest and interest accrual; (iii) credit card debt; (iv) online commerce; (v) rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home; (vi) saving, investing and planning for retirement; (vii) the role of banking and financial services; (viii) balancing a checkbook; (ix) state and federal taxes; (x) charitable giving; (xi) evaluating media content, including online content, that relates to personal finance matters; and (xii) saving, investing and planning for higher education or professional training.
(b) A school district, charter school, approved private day or residential school or collaborative school may incorporate the financial literacy standards established pursuant to section 1D and subsection (a) into existing curriculum including, but not limited to, mathematics, history and social sciences, technology or business.
(c) The department shall make resources available to school districts, charter schools, approved private day or residential schools, and collaborative schools to assist in the selection of materials and curriculum on personal financial literacy. The department shall identify and offer information on resources for professional development activities and instruction on personal financial literacy. The department may consult with private or non-profit experts in the field of behavioral science or related disciplines and government stakeholders to identify such resources.
(d) The department may apply for federal, state or other funding, including funding available through the Economic Empowerment Trust Fund established pursuant to section 35QQ of chapter 10 to implement the provisions of this section.
(e) Upon the action of the general court, there shall periodically be a review by the department relative to the implementation of the financial literacy standards, including a study of financial literacy programs being offered in the commonwealth to students in kindergarten to grade 12. The general court may direct the commissioner to consult with the office of the state treasurer and receiver general to, subject to appropriation, convene a working group consisting of educators experienced in teaching curriculum related to financial literacy or personal finance, and any individuals or organizations the department deems relevant with expertise in financial services, including, but not limited to, banking, borrowing and consumer protection. The review shall include a report on best practices and recommended improvements to the financial literacy standards. Such report shall be submitted to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the chairs of the joint committee on education.
