Chapter 433

2013 -- S 0118 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 07/15/13

A N A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - THE RHODE ISLAND TEACHERS' ADVISORY COUNCIL

Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Goodwin, Miller, and Lynch

Date Introduced: January 24, 2013

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

SECTION 1. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended

by adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 102

THE RHODE ISLAND TEACHERS' ADVISORY COUNCIL

16-102-1. Legislative purpose. -- It is the purpose of the Rhode Island teachers’ advisory

council to provide a streamlined communication mechanism between teachers and the state board

of education, the policy setting board of elementary and secondary education by:

(1) Providing teachers with the ability to inform policymakers about implementation,

concerns, and or practical issues regarding regulations and/or policies, whether proposed or

promulgated;

(2) Bringing voices of classroom teachers into the conversation about policies and

regulations which impact classroom activities; and

(3) Improving the conversation about the policies and regulations regarding our education

system to ensure their successful implementation that benefits all Rhode Island students.

16-102-2. Rhode Island Teachers' Advisory Council established. -- (a) There is hereby

established a Rhode Island teachers’ advisory council, hereinafter referred to as “RITAC,” that

shall advise the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the state board of

education, whichever body is in effect at the time. RITAC shall be comprised of one teacher

from each school district chosen by the districts’ state association of teacher representatives, such

as the national education association and the Rhode Island federation of teachers and health

professionals, in conjunction with the local district teacher representative in a manner that they

deem appropriate. The Rhode Island league of charter schools shall choose two (2) teachers from

its public charter schools in a manner that it deems appropriate. The Rhode Island mayoral

academies shall choose one teacher from its mayoral academies in a manner that it deems

appropriate. The term of each teacher representative shall be two (2) years. Each representative

shall be chosen within ninety (90) days of passage and by October 1 every two (2) years

thereafter. Upon organization, the members of RITAC shall elect a chairperson and any other

officers.

(b) RITAC shall meet no less than four (4) times per year and provide the board of

regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the state board of education, whichever

board is in effect, with a minimum of quarterly reports at a regularly scheduled board meeting.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC00670/SUB A

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