2026 -- H 7527

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, McNamara, Potter, Read, Hopkins, Shallcross
Smith, Kazarian, Alzate, Diaz, and Stewart

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2026

     Referred To: House Education

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Findings.

     The general assembly finds and declares that student mentorship programs are most

effective when the mentor has an established relationship with the student, an understanding of the

student’s educational, social, and personal background, and professional training in student support

and development. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that education mentorship services

provided in public schools are delivered by qualified professionals who possess the training,

certification, and access necessary to support the academic, social, and emotional success of

students.

     SECTION 2. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following chapter:

CHAPTER 117

EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT

     16-117-1. Short title.

     This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Education Mentorship Program Act".

     16-117-2. Definitions.

     For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

     (1) "Certified support educator" means an individual who holds a valid Rhode Island

educator certification or license in a student support discipline including, but not limited to:

     (i) School guidance counselor;

     (ii) School social worker;

     (iii) School psychologist; or

     (iv) Any other certified or licensed student support professional as determined by the

department of education.

     (2) "Education mentor" means an adult assigned or designated by a school district or public

school to provide ongoing guidance, support, advocacy, and mentorship to a student or group of

students.

     (3) "Public school" means any local education agency, school district, public charter

school, or state-operated school.

     16-117-3. Qualifications of education mentors.

     (a) Any education mentor providing mentorship services to students pursuant to this

chapter shall be a certified support educator.

     (b) The education mentor shall, to the extent practicable:

     (1) Have an existing professional relationship with the student; or

     (2) Be assigned in a manner that allows sufficient time and access to develop a meaningful

and sustained relationship with the student.

     (c) Education mentors shall have access to relevant student records, support plans, and

school-based resources, consistent with state and federal law, in order to effectively understand and

respond to the student's academic, social, emotional, and environmental needs.

     16-117-4. Role and responsibilities of education mentors.

     An education mentor under this chapter may:

     (1) Provide individualized guidance and support aligned with the student's academic and

personal needs;

     (2) Assist in identifying barriers to student success including, social, emotional, behavioral,

or environmental factors;

     (3) Coordinate with educators, families, and community-based service providers, as

appropriate;

     (4) Utilize evidence-based support strategies consistent with the mentor's professional

training and certification; and

     (5) Advocate for appropriate interventions, accommodations, or services to support student

well-being and achievement.

     16-117-5. Rules and regulations.

     The department of education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to

implement the provisions of this chapter including, standards for mentor assignment, caseloads,

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and program oversight.

     SECTION 3. 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 -- EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT

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     This act would require that student mentors in public schools be certified support educators,

ensuring mentors have professional training, established student relationships, and access to skills

and information needed to support student success.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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