2021 -- S 0214

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LC000837

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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 [SEE TITLE 19 CHAPTER 97 - THE

RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]

     Introduced By: Senators Cano, Pearson, DiPalma, Kallman, and Lawson

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2021

     Referred To: Senate Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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

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

following section:

     16-22-34. The basic education program.

     (a) Definitions.

     (1) For the purposes of this chapter, the "basic education program" means a set of

regulations promulgated by the council on elementary and secondary education that establishes

minimum standard for the Rhode Island public education system.

     (b) The basic education program (BEP) shall include, but shall not be limited to, the

following basic elements:

     (1) A standard for students who are English language learners;

     (2) The requirements set forth in §§ 16-22-17 and 16-22-24; and

     (3) Any other requirements set forth elsewhere in Rhode Island general laws.

     (c) By October 1, 2021, and in every odd-numbered year thereafter, the department of

elementary and secondary education (the "department") shall review the BEP and identify areas to

update, if appropriate. Updates to the BEP shall be proposed to the council on elementary and

secondary education (the "council") by no later than November 1 of a review year, and the council

shall vote on the adoption of the updates by December 1, of a review year.

     (d) By October 1, 2021, and in every odd-numbered year thereafter, the department shall

complete a fiscal analysis that identifies the expected costs associated with the requirements of the

BEP. The department shall provide the fiscal analysis to the council no later than November 1 of a

review year.

     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 [SEE TITLE 19 CHAPTER 97 - THE

RHODE ISLAND BOARD OF EDUCATION ACT]

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     This act would provide for a minimum standard for the public education system.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC000837

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