The Thrive Act Coalition
Thrive Act: An Act Empowering Students and Schools to Thrive
H.495 (sponsored by Reps. Hawkins & Montaño)
S.246 (sponsored by Sens. Gomez, Comerford, & Miranda)
To support students, especially in high-poverty schools that have been most affected by the pandemic’s disruption, we need a better system of assessment and improvement that considers the whole child, and focuses on giving students and educators the tools and resources they need to succeed and thrive. The Thrive Act would replace the state’s failed approach to educational assessment with policies that will help all students to succeed and thrive.
What will the Thrive Act do?
Implement a ‘comprehensive support and improvement’ system that focuses on giving students and educators the tools and resources they need to succeed, while ending the existing state takeover system.
Require local plans to tackle the root causes of education disparities, including racial inequalities.
Give students, parents, educators, and local communities a real voice in how their schools are run.
Create clear pathways for improvement, including the funding necessary to support evidence-based programs, supports, and interventions.
Establish a modified graduation requirement based on coursework rather than standardized testing.
Establish a commission to study and make recommendations for a more authentic and accurate system for assessing students, schools and school districts, including strategies that would require changes in federal law.
End all existing state takeover of school districts within one year.
Maintain MCAS assessments and related reporting and accountability requirements to the extent mandated by federal law. The bill’s proposed ‘comprehensive support and improvement” system is also fully compliant with federal education law.
Let’s do this, together.
For students, families, educators, school staff and community members, click the button to share your support
For groups and organizations, click the button to endorse the Thrive Act
Learn more!
Follow the bill on the Massachusetts Legislature’s website.
More resources to come!