An Act To Remove Unnecessary Agenda from the School Day

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to require a review by the Commissioner of Education of items required by law or policy to be taught or recognized in the public schools in kindergarten to grade 12 that are in addition to the curriculum implementing the statewide system of learning results under the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 6209. The review must be conducted in consultation with representatives of school superintendents, teachers and parents. The review must categorize the additional items required to be taught or recognized, identify items that may have become obsolete or duplicative and recommend the most efficient and effective way to teach or recognize the required items without interfering with the time needed during the school day to provide effective teaching of knowledge required under the system of learning results. The commissioner would be authorized to report the results of the review to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters, which would be authorized to report out a bill, if necessary.