2020 -- S 2035

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LC003611

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT

     

     Introduced By: Senator Roger Picard

     Date Introduced: January 21, 2020

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

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     16-97-11. Competency–Based/Proficiency-Based Learning Model Policy.

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     (a) The council on elementary and secondary education shall adopt a competency-

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

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programmatic opportunities for students to earn credits through demonstrations of competency.

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     (b) The council on elementary and secondary education competency-based/proficiency-

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based learning policy and model district policy shall be approved on or before June 1, 2021. The

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department of elementary and secondary education shall issue guidance on the application of the

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policy in areas that include, but are not limited to, virtual learning career and technical education,

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and foreign languages.

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

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

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supports for areas a student may require, advanced placement (AP) courses, dual enrollment, and

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

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

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secondary education.

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

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

 

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the council on elementary and secondary education.

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     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 elementary and secondary education adopt a

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competency-based/proficiency-based learning policy whereby students can earn credits through

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demonstration of competency.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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