The bill amends Section 16-22-32 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-22, which pertains to the curriculum in Rhode Island. It mandates the council on elementary and secondary education to direct the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to establish a process for reviewing and identifying high-quality curricula and materials for mathematics, English language arts, and science and technology. These curricula and materials must align with state academic standards, curriculum frameworks, and statewide standardized tests. The commissioner is required to identify at least five examples of curricula for mathematics and English language arts by January 1, 2021, and for science and technology by January 1, 2024. Local education agencies (LEAs) must select from the identified curricula by June 30, 2023, for mathematics and English language arts, and by June 30, 2027, for science and technology, which is an extension from the previous deadline of June 30, 2025. The bill also allows for a waiver process for LEAs that wish to use alternative curricula and provides conditions under which LEAs with high student performance can select different materials.

Additionally, the bill requires the department of education to establish competencies for utilizing high-quality curriculum materials by June 2023. It outlines the responsibilities of LEAs in implementing the selected curricula, including developing a curriculum implementation plan with professional development for teachers and administrators. The council is tasked with developing procedures for regularly updating and evaluating the identified curricula to maintain their quality, with the first review cycle beginning in 2025. The commissioner must report annually on the progress of implementing these requirements. The bill also establishes a professional development fund for LEAs that choose prioritized curricula and materials. The bill defines LEAs to include public school districts, regional school districts, state-operated schools, regional collaborative schools, and charter schools within Rhode Island. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5167: 16-22-32