H 706
An Act relative to geography education
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to improve geography education in Massachusetts schools. It seeks to ensure that students receive a comprehensive understanding of geography, including topics like map reading, global cultures, and environmental geography. The legislation encourages the integration of geography into the curriculum and supports teacher training in this area. Ultimately, the goal is to better prepare students to understand and engage with the world around them.
Key provisions
- Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop guidelines for geography instruction.
- Encourages the integration of geography into existing subjects.
- Supports professional development for teachers in geography education.
- Promotes the use of maps and geospatial technologies in the classroom.
- Focuses on global cultures and environmental geography within the curriculum.
Who is affected
- Students in Massachusetts public schools
- Teachers in Massachusetts public schools
- The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- School districts in Massachusetts
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Todd M. Smola
Cosponsors
Joanne M. Comerford
Todd M. Smola
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.706 194th (Current)
An Act relative to geography education
By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 706) of Todd M. Smola and Joanne M. Comerford relative to geography education. Education.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Todd M. Smola Status: Referred to Joint Committee on Education
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Bill History Petitioners
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.706
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Education |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/2/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium |
| 12/18/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
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