2014 -- S 2950

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LC004591

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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 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT

     Introduced By: Senators Picard, Metts, and Pearson

     Date Introduced: May 01, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-97 of the General Laws entitled "The Rhode Island Board of

Education Act" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     16-97-8. Competency–Based/Proficiency-Based Learning Model Policy. – (a) The

board of education shall adopt a competency-based/proficiency-based learning policy and a

model district policy designed to increase programmatic opportunities for students to earn credits

through demonstrations of competency.

     (b) The board of education competency-based/proficiency-based learning policy and

model district policy shall be approved on or before June 1, 2015. The department of elementary

and secondary education shall issue guidance on the application of the policy in areas that

include, but are not limited to, virtual learning career and technical education, and foreign

languages.

     (c) Any seat time freed up by demonstrating competencies must be used to advance the

academic and/or technical training of students, including, but not limited to, tutoring or other

supports for areas a student may require, advanced placement “AP” courses, dual enrollment, and

internships and apprenticeships. No student shall be allowed to use the available seat time as free

time unless otherwise approved by the school district and the department of elementary and

secondary education.

     (d) The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide the

aforementioned model district policy to school districts and school committees upon approval by

the board of education.

     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 - THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT

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     This act would require that the board of education adopt a competency-

based/proficiency-based learning policy and a model district policy designed to increase

programmatic opportunities for students to earn credits through a demonstration of competency

and this policy would be approved by June 1, 2015. This act would also provide mandates for the

use of seat time freed up by students advancing because of their demonstration of competency.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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