Chapter 184

2004 -- S 2590

Enacted 06/25/04

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- THE RHODE ISLAND STUDENT INVESTMENT

INITIATIVE

Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Issa, and Walaska

Date Introduced: February 11, 2004

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

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) be based on high academic standards

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

product of a shared community wide process which defines a vision of what students should

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

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

for mentoring of new teachers; (6) be 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) include 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) be consistent with Rhode Island's

comprehensive education strategy. In order to assure 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.

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 ~~three (3)~~ five (5)) that is aligned with the board of regents reading

policy. The district must develop, implement and evaluate a Personal Literacy Program 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.

(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.

(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.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC02377

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