2021 -- H 5517

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LC001254

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Tobon, Caldwell, Baginski, Alzate, Edwards, Barros,
Corvese, Amore, and Craven

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2021

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Chapter 16-22 of the General Laws entitled "Curriculum [See Title 16

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Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]" is hereby amended by adding thereto the

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following section:

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     16-22-34. Computer science graduation requirement.

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     (a) Commencing with the graduating class of 2023, and all graduating classes thereafter,

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all high school students attending public schools, or any other school managed and controlled by

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the state, shall demonstrate proficiency in computer science. Local education agencies (LEAs) shall

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have the discretion to al1ow students the ability to demonstrate proficiency by successfully

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completing one or more of the following:

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     (l) A computer science course of study that is aligned with the standards developed and

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adopted by the council on elementary and secondary education (the "council"): or

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     (2) A computer science assessment that is aligned with the standards developed and

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adopted by the council, and taken in a controlled testing environment,

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     (b) Schools shall be permitted to make exceptions and accommodations to the requirements

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of this section for students with disabilities, as provided in chapter 24 of title 16, in cases where the

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student cannot be reasonably expected to demonstrate proficiency under council standards.

 

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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 -- CURRICULUM

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     This act would require that commencing with the graduating class of 2023 all high school

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students attending public schools demonstrate proficiency in computer science.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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