2014 -- H 8367

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LC006034

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

CREATING A SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF

IMPLEMENTING FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS IN ALL RHODE ISLAND

AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS

     Introduced By: Representative Joseph M.McNamara

     Date Introduced: June 20, 2014

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     WHEREAS, Research has shown that full-day kindergarteners demonstrate more positive

academic and behavioral effects than half-day kindergarteners; and

     WHEREAS, Research has also indicated that students enrolled in full-day kindergarten

have better work habits, become more independent than students in half-day programs, and are

more likely to be promoted through grade 2, than those who attended half-day kindergarten; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, studies have found that full-day kindergarten enables students

from low socioeconomic or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds to come to par or even

outperform their counterparts from higher socioeconomic or educationally advantaged

backgrounds; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That a special legislative commission be and the same is hereby created

consisting of twelve (12) members: three (3) of whom shall be members of the Senate, not more

than two (2) from the same political party, to be appointed by the President of the Senate; three

(3) of whom shall be members of the House of Representatives, not more than two (2) from the

same political party, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; one of whom shall be the

President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the National  Education Association, or designee; one of

whom shall be the President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Federation of Teachers,

or designee; two (2) of whom shall be members of Rhode Island School Committees, one of

whom shall be from a school district with full-day kindergarten and one of whom shall be from a

school district without full-day kindergarten, to be appointed by the President of the Rhode Island

Association of School Committees; one of whom shall be the Executive Director of The Rhode

Island School Superintendents Association, or designee; and one of whom shall be the Executive

Director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, or designee.

     In lieu of any appointment of a member of the legislature to a permanent advisory

commission, a legislative study commission, or any commission created by a General Assembly

resolution, the appointing authority may appoint a member of the general public to serve in lieu

of a legislator, provided that the majority leader or the minority leader of the political party which

is entitled to the appointment consents to the appointment of the member of the general public.

     The purpose of said Commission shall be to make a comprehensive study, utilizing the

most current studies and information available, on the necessity, feasibility, curriculum

development, long-term benefits, and funding policies and resources for implementing full-day

kindergarten programs in all Rhode Island public schools. 

     Forthwith upon passage of this resolution, the members of the commission shall meet at

the call of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and organize and shall select

a chairperson from among the legislators. 

     Vacancies in said Commission shall be filed in like manner as the original appointment.

     The membership of said Commission shall receive no compensation for their services.

     All departments and agencies of the state shall furnish such advice and information,

documentary and otherwise, to said Commission and its agents as is deemed necessary or

desirable by the commission to facilitate the purposes of this resolution.

     The Joint Committee on Legislative Services is hereby authorized and directed to provide

suitable quarters in the State House for said Commission; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the

General Assembly no later than January 6, 2015, and said commission shall expire on March 6,

2015.

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LC006034

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