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H 4366

An Act to expand the use of career and academic plans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz and 1 co-sponsor

Requires all public high school students to develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) via MyCAP, with district support and DESE oversight, phased in by Sept 1, 2028.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · H 4366

Summary of Massachusetts House Bill H.4366: An Act to expand the use of career and academic plans

Overview

H.4366 would require Massachusetts public school districts to implement and maintain individualized learning plans (ILPs) for all high school students starting in ninth grade, using a district-approved online platform and a defined process (MyCAP). The bill defines specific terms, establishes implementation requirements, and sets an effective date of September 1, 2028. It adds new responsibilities for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide guidance and collect annual progress reports from districts.

Key provisions

  • Definitions added (Section 100):

    • College and career pathway program: A high school program designated by DESE offering sequenced academic/work-based experiences, including early college programs, vocational-technical education programs, innovation pathways, and STEM tech career academies aimed at improving college and career readiness.
    • Individual learning plan (ILP): A student-created plan (with help from a designated educator) outlining a clear academic pathway from secondary to postsecondary education or a career, detailing coursework, sequencing, and experiences beyond the classroom.
    • MyCAP (My Career and Academic Plan): The process for creating a student’s ILP, supported by an online platform.

  • District requirements (mandatory from ninth grade):

    • All public school districts must ensure every high school student develops an ILP beginning in ninth grade, with support from a designated educator and using an online platform approved by DESE.
    • ILPs must be adaptable: students may updated and refine plans throughout high school to align with evolving needs and goals.
    • Districts must provide support to students for developing and refining their ILPs.

  • Prior to high school: Nothing in the act prohibits districts from developing ILPs before ninth grade.

  • Reporting and guidance:

    • Districts must annually report to DESE on progress in meeting ILP requirements.
    • DESE must develop guidance for districts to oversee and ensure compliance, aligned with the MyCAP structure and its components.

  • Effective date: September 1, 2028.

Who is affected

  • Students: High school students will have an ILP starting in ninth grade, guiding coursework, experiences, and postsecondary/career planning.
  • Educators and districts: Schools must designate educators to assist with ILPs and invest in an approved online platform and related supports.
  • DESE: Responsible for approving platforms, issuing guidance, and collecting district progress reports.

Implementation considerations

  • Potential costs for districts to implement ILPs, maintain the MyCAP platform, and provide educator support.
  • Need for professional development for educators to implement ILPs effectively.
  • Data privacy and security considerations associated with the MyCAP platform.
  • Equity implications to ensure all students have meaningful access and support.

Legislative status

  • Reported favorably by the House Committee on Education and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means (as of August 7, 2025).
  • A new draft related to this bill appeared as House Bill 533 in the same cycle.

This bill seeks to institutionalize ongoing, student-centered career and college planning through standardized ILPs linked to defined pathway programs, with phased implementation culminating in 2028.

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

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