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 provides that the commissioner of elementary and secondary education will direct all local education agencies (LEAs) to select one of the identified high-quality curricula and materials for science and technology no later than June 30, 2026. The bill does not specify a review and identification process for curricula in mathematics and English language arts, nor does it set deadlines for those subjects.

Additionally, the bill introduces a waiver process for LEAs wishing to use alternative curricula, contingent upon meeting specific criteria, including the development of local curriculum goals and third-party reviews. It also stipulates that LEAs with a high percentage of students meeting state assessment expectations may select different curricula, but must revert to the identified curricula if their performance declines. The council is tasked with developing procedures for regularly updating the identified curricula, with the first review cycle beginning in 2025. The bill also establishes a professional development fund to support LEAs in implementing the prioritized curricula. This act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
323: 16-22-32
323  SUB A: 16-22-32