2014 -- H 8327
Enacted 07/03/14
RELATING TO EDUCATION-STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Introduced By: Representatives McNamara, Diaz, Morin, Azzinaro, and Corvese
Date Introduced: June 12, 2014
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 Paul W. Crowley 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) bBe based
on high academic standards for student performance consistent with the
statewide standards and benchmarks; (2) bBe the product of a shared communitywide process which that defines
a vision of what students should know and be able to do; (3) aAddress
the needs of each school in the district; (4) eEncourage the development of school-based
improvement planning and implementation; (5) iInclude a process for mentoring of new teachers;
(6) bBe
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) iInclude 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) bBe consistent with Rhode Island's comprehensive education
strategy. In order to assure ensure 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.
(c) (1) The strategic plan shall
include strategies to improve the performance of students 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 five (5)) that is aligned with the board of
regents reading policy. The district must develop, implement, and evaluate a Ppersonal Lliteracy Pprogram 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. The
general assembly further encourages every district to provide professional
development opportunities for school counselors that focus on best practices in
collaborating with business, industry, and other community organizations to
create internships and apprenticeships for secondary students.
(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.
(h) All strategic plans shall include strategies to decrease obesity and improve the health and wellness of students and employees through nutrition, physical activity, health education, and physical education. Said strategies shall be submitted by May 1st of each year to the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education and the Rhode Island department of health.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
========
LC005864
========