Montgomery County Public Schools is considering changes to its field trip and student travel policy, including a proposal that would eliminate the use of field trips as incentives.
The Montgomery County Board of Education took tentative action on proposed amendments to Policy IPD, Travel Study Programs, Field Trips and Student Organization Trips, sending the proposed changes forward for public comment.
According to MCPS, the amendments are intended to update the policy to reflect current practices and clarify expectations surrounding school-sponsored travel. Among the proposed changes is a stronger connection between field trips and instruction and learning. The revisions would also provide additional guidance for international travel, address potential conflicts of interest and add a nondiscrimination statement. One proposed change would eliminate field trips being used as incentives for students.
The Board’s Policy Management Committee is specifically seeking community feedback on that portion of the proposal, including how MCPS should balance its goal of ensuring field trips are connected to instruction and minimizing higher-risk activities with the potential value of celebratory or promotional trips as a way to motivate and recognize students.
The amendments are not yet final. The policy is moving forward for public comment before returning for further consideration. Read the Proposed Policy IPD Amendments.
