This bill mandates the Department of Education to revise the statewide academic standards for English/language arts, mathematics, and science, initiating a review process every ten years starting in June 2026. The revisions aim to ensure that the standards meet high-quality criteria emphasizing rigor, clarity, and relevance, while also providing a coherent progression of knowledge and skills across grade levels. The development process will involve meaningful participation from students, parents, and educators, as outlined in RSA 193-C:1, III. Additionally, the bill requires the Department to provide a list of high-quality curriculum and instructional materials that align with the revised standards for school districts to select from.

To support these revisions, the bill appropriates $1 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, although the actual costs of implementing the revisions are expected to be significantly higher, with estimated expenditures ranging from $625,000 to $1.3 million in subsequent years. The bill outlines a comprehensive plan for revising educational standards and aligning assessments over the fiscal years 2027 to 2029, with a total estimated cost of approximately $2.5 million. Key activities include hiring contracted subject-matter experts, developing rubrics for high-quality instructional materials, and engaging stakeholders through various forums and public hearings. While the bill does not specify any insertions or deletions from current law, it establishes a framework for funding and implementing educational improvements, with the Department of Education as the primary agency involved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193-E:2-a
HB1571 text: 193-E:2-a