Law & Policy

Below you will find resources on current laws and public policies impacting access to remote learning options in Massachusetts. We are not in a position to give legal advice and this page does not substitute for seeking legal counsel. We have provided links several law firms and legal advocacy organizations should need the assistance of an attorney.

Policy Guidance

Massachusetts

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Question and Answer Guide on the Implementation of Educational Services in the Home or Hospital, Issued February 1999
Revised June 2021.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Frequently Asked Questions re: Covid 19 Safety Protocol, August 20, 2021 (Revised August 25 and September 9, 2021).

Boston

Modified Home and Hospital Process for High Risk Students Vulnerable to COVID-19,

BPS Home and Hospital – COVID Form

Superintendent’s Circular SSS-19: Home and Hospital Instruction Services, September 1, 2021. (PDF)

Boston Public Schools Attendance Policy (PDF)  

Legal Advocacy

Law Firms

Kotin Crabtree (https://www.kcslegal.com/): “KC&S advises and represents families of students with disabilities in communities across Massachusetts. Our experienced attorneys assist parents and students at every stage of the special education process.”

Legal Advocacy Organizations

Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts (https://www.clcm.org/): “The mission of CLCM is to promote and secure equal justice and to maximize opportunity for low-income children and youth by providing quality, culturally sensitive advocacy and legal services.”

EdLaw Project (https://www.publiccounsel.net/edlaw/): An intiative between the Youth Advocacy Foundation and the Committee for Public Counsel Services Children & Family and Youth Advocacy Divisions of the Committee for Public Counsel Services focused on combating the School-to-Prison pipeline for indigent, court-involved youth through trainings for juvenile justice and child welfare attorneys; technical assistance for youth, parents, community organizations; and direct education advocacy.

Mass Advocates for Children (https://www.massadvocates.org/): “MAC’s mission is to remove barriers to educational and life opportunities for children and youth. We envision a Massachusetts where all children and youth, particularly those who face the greatest barriers, have an equitable opportunity to learn, to grow, and to thrive.”