Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 71b - Children With Special Needs
Section 7 - Tests for Selection of Children for Referral, Diagnosis, or Evaluation

Section 7. No results of standardized or local tests of ability, aptitude, attitude, affect, achievement, or aspiration may be used exclusively in the selection of children for referral, diagnosis, or evaluation. Such tests shall be approved by the department in accordance with regulations issued by the board to insure that they are as free as possible from cultural and linguistic bias or, wherever necessary, separately evaluated with reference to the linguistic and cultural groups to which the child belongs.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part I - Administration of the Government

Title XII - Education

Chapter 71b - Children With Special Needs

Section 1 - Definitions

Section 2 - Regulations; Special Education Programs; Pre-School Level Admission to Programs; Assignment of Child

Section 2a - Bureau of Special Education Appeals; Duties; Director; Supervision; Standards for Dispute Resolution; Confidentiality; Hearing Officers; Memorandum of Understanding; Bureau of Special Education Appeals Advisory Council

Section 3 - Identification of School Age Children With a Disability; Diagnosis of Disability; Proposal of Program; Evaluations and Assessments of Child and Program

Section 3a - Administrator of Special Education; Duties; Joint Appointment

Section 4 - Agreements Between School Committees or With Public or Private Schools

Section 5 - Costs or Obligations; Payment; Budget

Section 5a - Special Education Reimbursement Program

Section 5b - Pooled Risk Program for Extraordinary and Unanticipated Special Education Costs

Section 5c - Zero Interest Loan Program for Extraordinary and Unanticipated Special Education Costs

Section 6 - Assignment of Children to Classes; Annual Report; Equal Educational Opportunities; Prima Facie Denial; Hearings; Injunctive or Other Relief

Section 7 - Tests for Selection of Children for Referral, Diagnosis, or Evaluation

Section 8 - Transportation to and From School; Reimbursement to Parents

Section 9 - Department to Define Circumstances Requiring Special Education Programs and to Provide Standards

Section 9a - Workshop Curriculum; Parent Advisory Committee

Section 10 - Referral of Children to Institutions Within or Without the Commonwealth on Annual Renewal Basis Upon Request; Requisites; Expenses and Cost

Section 11a - Incarcerated Children With a Disability; Special Education

Section 12 - School Departments; Establishment; Administration; Staff; Operation; Expenditures; Costs of Education

Section 12a - Definitions Applicable to Secs. 12a to 12c

Section 12b - Bureau of Transitional Planning; Transitional Advisory Committee; Establishment

Section 12c - Continuing Habilitative Services; Eligibility; Transitional Plan; Rules and Regulations

Section 16 - Students With Disabilities; Participation in High School Graduation Ceremonies and Activities Without Award of High School Diploma