2014 -- H 8327

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION-STUDENT PERFORMANCE

     Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, Diaz, Morin, Azzinaro, and Corvese

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2014

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-7.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-7.1 entitled "The Paul

W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative" is hereby amended to read as follows:

     16-7.1-2. Accountability for student performance. -- (a) The board of regents shall

adopt and publish statewide standards of performance and performance benchmarks in core

subject areas, to include writing and mathematics (grades four (4), eight (8), and ten (10)). These

standards and performance benchmarks shall be ratified by the board and implemented, and

performance standards and performance benchmarks for reading in two (2) grades shall be added.

      (b) Districts and schools need to be held accountable for student performance results.

Therefore, every school district receiving state education aid under this title shall develop a

district strategic plan. The district strategic plan shall: (1) bBe based on high academic standards

for student performance consistent with the statewide standards and benchmarks; (2) bBe the

product of a shared communitywide process which that defines a vision of what students should

know and be able to do; (3) aAddress the needs of each school in the district; (4) eEncourage the

development of school-based improvement planning and implementation; (5) iInclude a process

for mentoring of new teachers; (6) bBe designed to improve student achievement with emphasis

on closing the performance gaps among groups of students, such as the performance gaps

correlated with poverty, gender, language background, and disability; (7) iInclude establishment

of student intervention teams to address the instructional needs of diverse learners, include high

standards of student behavior designed to create an orderly educational environment with due

regard for the rights of students, and an asset protection plan; and (8) bBe consistent with Rhode

Island's comprehensive education strategy. In order to assure ensure the most efficient use of

resources implementing strategic plans, districts and schools are encouraged to work together as

consortia and as part of the regional collaboratives.

      (c) (1) The strategic plan shall include strategies to improve the performance of students

in mathematics, reading, and writing. Each plan must describe a scientific, research-based, as

described in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Title 1, Part B, Section §1208 [20 U.S.C.

section §6368], reading instruction to improve the reading skills of all students in the early grades

(kindergarten through grade five (5)) that is aligned with the board of regents reading policy. The

district must develop, implement, and evaluate a Ppersonal Lliteracy Pprogram for each student

in these grades who is performing below grade level. These strategies shall be based on the

adequate yearly progress expected for students and schools. Annual performance targets for

determining whether schools and districts have made adequate yearly progress will be set by the

commissioner of elementary and secondary education. The general assembly expects these

district strategies to increase the number of fourth grade students performing at, or above, the

proficient standard in mathematics, reading, and writing in each district and school. The increase

shall be established annually in accordance with section §16-7.1-4.

      (2) The general assembly recognizes the contribution of school counselors to positive

educational change,; to the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,; and to the

success of students in three (3) developmental domains: academic, career, and personal/social. It

endorses the National Standards for School Counseling Programs as developed by the American

School Counselor Association (ASCA). Further, the general assembly encourages every district

to implement a K-12 standards-based, comprehensive, developmental school counseling program.

The general assembly further encourages every district to provide professional development

opportunities for school counselors that focus on best practices in collaborating with business,

industry, and other community organizations to create internships and apprenticeships for

secondary students.

      (d) Each strategic plan must indicate the manner in which self-studies will be completed

at the school level in accordance with guidelines established by the commissioner. Funds shall be

appropriated to the department of elementary and secondary education to assist districts with on-

site reviews. Schools to be visited shall be determined by the commissioner.

      (e) Each strategic plan must indicate the method in which school administrators and staff

shall achieve and maintain an orderly educational environment in accordance with due process

and with due regard for the rights of students.

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      (f) Each strategic plan shall include the development of inter-agency agreements for the

coordination of services among state and local agencies responsible for service to children and

families. These agreements shall address the identification and provision of services to pre-school

children with disabilities and children and youth with behavioral health care needs.

      (g) All district strategic plans and annual updates shall be submitted to the commissioner

of elementary and secondary education no later than May 1, of each year.

      (h) All strategic plans shall include strategies to decrease obesity and improve the health

and wellness of students and employees through nutrition, physical activity, health education, and

physical education. Said strategies shall be submitted by May 1st of each year to the Rhode Island

department of elementary and secondary education and the Rhode Island department of health.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION-STUDENT PERFORMANCE

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     This act would encourage school districts to provide professional development

opportunities for school counselors that focus on best practices in collaborating with business,

industry, and other community organizations to create internships and apprenticeships for

secondary students.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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