All Updates

Technology has transformed the way students communicate and learn, but it has also created new challenges for schools, families, and educators. Excessive cell phone use during the school day can contribute to distraction, reduced engagement, cyberbullying, and challenges in maintaining a focused learning environment.

If passed, the TEACH-MA Act would introduce a statewide program designed to recruit, certify and retain teachers committed to three years of service in Massachusetts public schools. Program fellows would be placed in high-need districts and hard-to-fill subject areas, and provided mentorship, a stipend, and the promise of a reduced-cost master’s degree upon completion.

We had a busy month between committee hearings, district events, and constituent cases, and that’s just how we want it. Keep reading to learn more about our month in the district and at the State House.

Massachusetts students continue to face challenges recovering from learning disruptions and improving academic outcomes, particularly in early literacy. According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), many students in grades 3-8 and grade 10 are not meeting expectations in English Language Arts, and achievement gaps among student groups have widened compared with pre-pandemic levels.

The Massachusetts child welfare system has a responsibility to protect vulnerable children and ensure they receive safe, stable, and supportive care. However, policymakers identified a need for stronger oversight, improved transparency, and better coordination among agencies responsible for serving children in state care.

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve? Retired teachers who continue serving Massachusetts students by working in administrative roles at the Executive Office of Education (EOE) and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) faced inconsistencies in their retirement status and benefits.

A potential statewide “bell-to-bell” ban on cell phones in schools could get devices out of the classroom by September.