This bill amends Section 16-11-9 of the General Laws to revise the fast-track principal certification program. It establishes a program that includes courses on school finance, school law, and supervision of school personnel. Participants in the program will earn a principal certification after completing the required courses, a year-long internship shadowing a principal, leading a districtwide or schoolwide initiative, and passing assessment requirements. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have at least ten years of teaching experience, a recommendation from a superintendent, a record of leadership within a school district, and a master's degree or higher. Participants who have already earned a principal certification through the program and completed courses offered by RIDE would not be required to complete the department-approved leadership program, but would instead need to complete an additional course on program evaluation.

This bill revises the fast-track principal certification program by requiring a course in program evaluation instead of supervision of school personnel. It also allows participants who have already earned a principal certification through the program and completed courses offered by RIDE to complete an additional course on program evaluation instead of the department-approved leadership program. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
496: 16-11-9