The bill amends Section 16-11-9 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-11, which pertains to the certification of teachers, to establish a fast-track principal certification program. The program, overseen by the department of elementary and secondary education, includes courses in school finance, school law, and replaces a course in program evaluation (including data analysis) with one in supervision of school personnel. To earn a principal certification, participants must complete these courses, a year-long internship, lead a districtwide or schoolwide initiative, and pass the assessment requirements for Rhode Island principal certification. Eligibility for the program requires a minimum of ten years of experience as an effective or highly effective teacher, a recommendation from a superintendent, a record of consistent leadership, and a master's degree or higher.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that certified participants must complete a leadership development program during their first certification renewal cycle unless they have completed a RIDE accredited school principal preparation program (internship). In that case, they are exempt from the leadership development program but must complete an additional course in program evaluation (including data analysis). The bill includes a new subsection (g) that details this exemption. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
496: 16-11-9