This bill mandates the Department of Education to conduct a review and possible revision of statewide academic standards every ten years, starting in July 2027. The new legal language inserted into RSA 193-E:2-a includes a requirement for the department to ensure that the revised standards emphasize rigor, clarity, and relevance, while also reflecting a coherent progression of knowledge and skills across grade levels. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the development process must involve meaningful participation from students, parents, and educators.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new subparagraphs to RSA 193-E:2-a, which require the Department to provide a list of high-quality curriculum and instructional materials aligned with the revised standards for school districts to choose from. It also mandates the revision of the statewide education improvement and assessment program to align with these updated standards. The bill does not allocate funding or authorize new positions, but it estimates significant expenditures for the implementation of these revisions, including costs for contracted experts and stakeholder engagement, amounting to approximately $1.8 million in FY 2028 and $1.1 million to $1.2 million in FY 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 193-E:2-a
As Amended by the House: 193-E:2-a
As Amended by the House (2nd): 193-E:2-a
As Amended by the Senate: 193-E:2-a
HB1571 text: 193-E:2-a