This bill amends Section 16-22-32 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-22 entitled "Curriculum" to extend the deadline for local education agencies (LEAs) to select identified high-quality curricula and materials for science and technology to June 30, 2027. The bill also requires the Department of Education to establish competencies for utilizing high-quality curriculum materials by June 2023. LEAs must select curriculum and materials that are aligned with academic standards, curriculum frameworks, and statewide standardized tests, and are of high quality. LEAs must implement the selected curricula and materials at the start of the school year following the selection. LEAs that are unable to fully implement the high-quality curricula and materials due to financial hardship may be granted an extension of time. LEAs may request a waiver to use a curriculum other than the identified ones, but the waiver must be approved by the Board of Education. The bill also requires LEAs to develop a curriculum implementation plan and provides for regular review and evaluation of the identified curricula and materials. The Commissioner of Education must report annually on the progress of implementing the requirements of this section. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5167: 16-22-32