The bill amends Section 16-22-32 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-22, which pertains to the curriculum in Rhode Island's education system. It introduces new legal language that emphasizes the need for high-quality curriculum and materials in mathematics, English language arts, and science and technology. The commissioner of elementary and secondary education is tasked with reviewing and identifying curricula that align with state academic standards and frameworks, and to ensure that at least five examples of high-quality curricula are made available to local education agencies (LEAs) by specified deadlines. The bill also mandates that LEAs select one of the identified curricula by June 30, 2023, for mathematics and English language arts, and by June 30, 2026, for science and technology, while allowing for extensions in cases of financial hardship.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a waiver process for LEAs wishing to use alternative curricula, contingent upon meeting certain criteria, such as developing local curriculum goals and engaging third-party reviewers. It also stipulates that LEAs with a high percentage of students meeting state assessment expectations may opt for different curricula, but must revert to the identified curricula if they fall below that threshold. The council on elementary and secondary education is required to regularly review and update the identified curricula, with the first review cycle beginning in 2025. The bill establishes a professional development fund to support LEAs in implementing the prioritized curricula and requires annual reporting on progress to state leadership.