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Bill

H 561

An Act advancing Massachusetts from STEM to STEAM

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 14 co-sponsors

Bill H 561 transforms STEM education in Massachusetts to STEAM by integrating arts, enhancing creativity, and preparing students for diverse career opportunities.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 561

Summary of Bill H 561: An Act Advancing Massachusetts from STEM to STEAM

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 561 aims to expand the traditional focus of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Massachusetts to include the arts, thereby transforming it into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). The intent is to foster a more holistic educational approach that integrates creativity and artistic expression with technical and scientific disciplines.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes several amendments to existing Massachusetts General Laws, specifically targeting sections related to STEM education. The key provisions include:

  1. Amendments to Chapter 6, Section 218:

    • Insertion of the word "art" after "engineering" in the title and throughout the section.
    • Replacement of the term "STEM" with "STEAM" wherever it appears.

  2. Amendments to Chapter 40J, Section 6H:

    • Similar changes as above, incorporating "art" and replacing "STEM" with "STEAM".

  3. Amendments to Chapter 10, Section 35QQ:

    • Insertion of "art" after "engineering" in subsection (a).
    • Replacement of "STEM" with "STEAM".

These amendments collectively aim to officially recognize the importance of the arts in the educational framework and funding mechanisms related to STEM programs.

Affected Parties

The bill will impact:
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities that offer STEM programs will need to adapt their curricula to incorporate arts education.
- Students: Learners in Massachusetts will benefit from a more integrated approach to education that values creativity alongside technical skills.
- Educators: Teachers will be encouraged to develop interdisciplinary teaching methods that blend arts with STEM subjects.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to Committee on Education: February 27, 2025
  • Senate Concurrence: February 27, 2025
  • Hearing Scheduled: September 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
  • Reported Favorably by Committee: November 17, 2025, and referred to the Committee on House Ways and Means

Conclusion

Bill H 561 represents a significant shift in educational policy in Massachusetts by promoting the integration of arts into STEM education. By officially adopting the STEAM framework, the bill seeks to enhance creativity and innovation in the state's educational landscape, preparing students for a diverse range of career opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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