reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
RI Gen L § 16-22-26 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22-26 - Age appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness education.

§ 16-22-26. Age appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness education.(a) Short title. This section shall be known and may be cited as "Erin Merryn's Law."(b) (1) Prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse. All pupils in grades kindergarten through eight (8) in all public schools in the state shall receive instruction designed to prevent the abduction, exploitation, or sexual abuse of children. Such instruction shall be provided by, or under the direct supervision of, regular classroom teachers; provided, however, that such instruction may be provided by any other agency, public or private.(2) The department of elementary and secondary education shall continue to provide guidance and materials on age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention. The commissioner shall provide technical assistance to assist in the development of curricula that shall be age-appropriate and developed according to the needs and abilities of pupils at successive grade levels in order to provide awareness skills, information, self-confidence, and support to aid in the prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse.(c) Action by school committees. The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the curricula described herein into existing health education courses.History of Section.P.L. 2014, ch. 373, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 404, § 2.
RI Gen L § 16-22-27 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22-27 - Availability of instruction in musical performance education.

§ 16-22-27. Availability of instruction in musical performance education.All secondary public schools, including middle schools, or any other secondary schools managed and controlled by the state, are strongly encouraged to offer as a part of the curriculum, courses in performing arts, including musical ensembles, such as band, chorus, orchestra, and other performance ensembles, with emphasis upon development of aesthetic appreciation and the skills of creative expression.History of Section.P.L. 2015, ch. 208, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 232, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22-28 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22-28 - Instruction in media literacy.

§ 16-22-28. Instruction in media literacy.The department of elementary and secondary education shall consider, in consultation with national or statewide organizations focused on media literacy, the incorporation of media literacy education into the board of education's basic education program regulations.For the purposes of this section, "media literacy" means the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and communicate using a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, print, visual, audio, interactive, and digital texts.History of Section.P.L. 2017, ch. 228, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 256, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22-29 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22-29 - Field trips to nature preserve, reserve, or conservatory.

§ 16-22-29. Field trips to nature preserve, reserve, or conservatory.The general assembly recognizes the importance of a citizenry well educated in the principles of nature and our environment, as well as the general assembly's duty to provide for the preservation, regeneration, and restoration of the natural environment of the state, as enunciated in the constitution of the state of Rhode Island. In light of this, public schools of this state, beginning in kindergarten and continuing through and including grade twelve (12), are encouraged to use their best efforts to provide access to every student to at least one field trip to a nature preserve, reserve, or conservatory.History of Section.P.L. 2018, ch. 129, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 199, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22-33 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22-33 - Curriculum implementation accountability.

§ 16-22-33. Curriculum implementation accountability.(a) Once local education agencies ("LEAs") select high-quality curriculum and materials pursuant to § 16-22-32, the department of elementary and secondary education (the "department") shall identify an LEA assistance partner from within the department to provide any and all support requested by the LEA or individual schools within the LEA regarding access to, implementation of, and professional development for the curriculum and materials.(b) The LEA assistance partner shall meet with teachers, principals, administrators, or other school officials of the LEA to which they are assigned at a school within the LEA on a regular basis, which shall be no less frequently than every three (3) months, to discuss the progress toward implementing the curriculum and materials effectively. Areas of discussion may include, but are not limited to:(1) Barriers to learning and plans to eliminate said barriers;(2) Best practices regarding pedagogical techniques given the diversity of the student population being served;(3) Where to locate additional professional development resources; and(4) Implementation strategies that have been successful to share with other LEAs that are using the same curriculum and materials.(c) The LEA assistance partner shall tour all schools within its assigned LEA with at least one teacher and the principal or assistant principal:(1) To observe challenges teachers are facing while implementing the curriculum and materials;(2) To discuss with the teacher and principal or assistant principal ideas to help resolve those challenges; and(3) To answer any questions regarding the curriculum or implementation thereof.(d) The LEA assistance partner shall have follow-up meetings at schools within their assigned LEA as often as requested by an individual school or the entire LEA to ensure all educators are comfortable implementing the curriculum effectively.(e) The LEA assistance partner shall report to the department no less frequently than every three (3) months regarding the status of curriculum implementation at the schools within their assigned LEA.(f) The commissioner is hereby authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.(g) For the purposes of this section, "local education agencies" ("LEAs") shall include all of the following within the state of Rhode Island:(1) Public school districts;(2) Regional school districts;(3) State-operated schools;(4) Regional collaborative schools; and(5) Charter schools.History of Section.P.L. 2019, ch. 89, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 150, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-1 - Short title.

§ 16-22.1-1. Short title.This chapter shall be known as and may be cited as "The Rhode Island statewide virtual education act."History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-2 - Legislative findings.

§ 16-22.1-2. Legislative findings.The legislature hereby finds and declares the following:(1) A well-educated population benefits Rhode Island, supports its communities, enhances the standard of living for all of its citizens, increases its capacity for success, and lays the foundation for shared prosperity.(2) Students in Rhode Island's public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools and institutions should be able to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to support and extend their learning. Their learning opportunities should allow them to acquire the knowledge and technology skills that will allow them to contribute to and participate in a digital world.(3) The number and type of virtual learning programs and courses have increased considerably, and the prevalence of virtual learning continues to grow. Virtual learning utilizes the power and scalability of technology to remove the constraints of traditional classroom learning, which can allow Rhode Island's students to access personalized learning at any time, in any place, and in ways that complement and extend traditional school settings.(4) Public schools, school districts, and postsecondary institutions in Rhode Island should have the freedom to work with teachers, families, and students to create customizable learning opportunities that incorporate technology and reflect effective practices.(5) The freedom that comes from technologically-supported opportunities to learn must be accompanied by a clear responsibility to ensure that such opportunities are of high quality, consistent with state standards for teaching and instruction, fulfill high school graduation requirements, reflect the principles of equity and access, and include accountability provisions that assure citizens that any investment of public tax dollars is well spent.(6) Rhode Island is one of a few states that has not established the kind of statewide policies on virtual education that will create the optimal conditions for effective learning and instruction.(7) The general assembly therefore finds that it is in the best interests of the people of the state of Rhode Island to enact the Rhode Island statewide virtual education act to create comprehensive regulations that will result in high quality, integrated virtual K-20 learning experiences that will engage and challenge students through structured, sustained study.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-3 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-3 - Purpose.

§ 16-22.1-3. Purpose.The purpose of this chapter is to provide access to high quality, rigorous, and relevant online learning opportunities for all of Rhode Island's public school students and to ensure promulgation of virtual learning regulations supporting access to high quality virtual instruction consistently throughout the state.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-4 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-4 - Definitions.

§ 16-22.1-4. Definitions.When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:(1) "Board" means the Rhode Island board of regents for elementary and secondary education.(2) "Commissioner" means the Rhode Island commissioner for elementary and secondary education.(3) "Course" means a course of study consistent with subdivision 16-1-5(4) and that meets the requirements of the basic education program.(4) "School district" means local education agencies in Rhode Island operated by municipalities and those entities established under §§ 16-77.2-1, 16-77.3, and 16-77.4.(5) "Teacher of record" means the teacher responsible for content instruction and determining student grades.(6) "Virtual course" means a course in which:(i) Instruction and content are delivered primarily through technology, including over the Internet, via television, and through multi-media;(ii) A student and teacher may be in physically different locations for a portion of the student's instructional period;(iii) Most instructional activities take place in a technology-supported environment;(iv) The technology-supported instructional activities are integral to the students' academic program;(v) Extensive communication between a student and a teacher and among students is emphasized; and(vi) A student is not necessarily required to be located on the physical premises of a public school.(7) "Virtual course provider" means:(i) A public school district or school in Rhode Island that provides virtual courses to:(A) Students enrolled in that district or school; or(B) Students enrolled in another school district or school;(ii) An accredited public or private institution of higher education in Rhode Island or another state that provides virtual courses or programs to students attending public schools in Rhode Island;(iii) A not-for-profit or for-profit organization whose work includes offering virtual courses or programs to students attending public schools in Rhode Island.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-5 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-5 - Regulations for virtual learning.

§ 16-22.1-5. Regulations for virtual learning.With the direction and approval of the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, the commissioner for elementary and secondary education shall develop and promulgate regulations for Rhode Island school districts and other educational organizations that are using or intend to use virtual courses and other online learning opportunities with K-12 students and adult learners. The regulations shall include:(1) Objective, standard criteria that ensures virtual courses and content for K-12 students are aligned with state content standards, meet or exceed the requirements of the state's basic education program, fulfill high school graduation requirements, and promote articulation with public higher education institutions in the state;(2) Objective, standard criteria for school districts to use to select quality providers of virtual courses and online content, which may include local school districts, not-for-profit and for-profit postsecondary institutions, and other organizations;(3) Objective, standard criteria that ensures teachers of virtual courses and other online learning activities are appropriately trained and qualified and meet certification requirements set forth by the commissioner of education;(4) Objective, standard criteria that ensures that local policies shall not limit student access to quality online learning opportunities;(5) Objective, standard criteria that school districts can use to ensure that all learners in Rhode Island have access to high quality, rigorous, and relevant virtual courses and other online learning activities;(6) Objective, standard procedures that school districts shall use to report and verify the attendance and participation of a student enrolled in a virtual course;(7) Standard accountability provisions that ensure school districts monitor students enrolled in virtual courses and other online learning activities and when appropriate, report on student progress and performance using grade-appropriate and content-appropriate assessments;(8) Objective, standard criteria that ensures that RIDE participates in statewide efforts to support virtual learning education with a focus on student access to quality online learning opportunities and ensuring efficiencies gained by coordinating resources;(9) Any other requirements or limitations for virtual courses in Rhode Island.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-6 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-6 - Oversight, quality assurance, reporting, and evaluation of virtual courses.

§ 16-22.1-6. Oversight, quality assurance, reporting, and evaluation of virtual courses.(a) The commissioner shall utilize existing evaluation processes and protocols established through regulations adopted by the board of regents to ensure student access to quality and effective online content and instruction.(b) Quality assurance reporting shall occur through the existing comprehensive data collection, analysis and accountability procedures at both the local and state level.(c) The commissioner shall prepare a report each fiscal year that documents the conditions under which virtual education supports student learning in Rhode Island. The report shall include:(1) Virtual course participation rates, with participation information disaggregated for core content areas;(2) Expenditures related to virtual education, in aggregate and by district;(3) The results of student assessments for students participating in virtual education in core content areas, disaggregated from overall district data; and(4) Any other information the commissioner deems relevant.(d) The commissioner's report shall be delivered to the speaker of the house of representatives and to the president of the senate by January 31 of each year, and the information posted for public inspection on the Rhode Island department of education's website.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.1-7 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.1 - The Statewide Virtual Education Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act]|Section 16-22.1-7 - Cooperation with public institutions of higher education.

§ 16-22.1-7. Cooperation with public institutions of higher education.In partnership with the commissioner of higher education, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall promote access to high quality virtual courses for all public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary students.History of Section.P.L. 2012, ch. 250, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 268, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.2-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.2 - Biliteracy Seal|Section 16-22.2-1 - Legislative intent.

§ 16-22.2-1. Legislative intent.(a) It is the intent of the legislature to encourage excellence for all pupils, and the legislature wishes to publicly recognize pupils for exemplary achievements in academic studies.(b) The study of languages other than English in elementary and secondary schools should be encouraged because it contributes to a pupil's cognitive development and to our national economy and security.(c) Proficiency in multiple languages is critical in enabling Rhode Island to participate effectively in a global political, social, and economic context, and in expanding trade with other countries.(d) The demand for employees to be fluent in more than one language is increasing both in Rhode Island and throughout the world.(e) The benefits to employers in having staff fluent in more than one language are clear and include access to an expanded market; allowing business owners to better serve their customers' needs; and the sparking of new marketing ideas that better target a particular audience and open a channel of communication with customers.(f) It is the intent of the legislature to promote linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy in one or more languages, in addition to English, and to provide recognition of the attainment of those needed and important skills through the establishment of the state seal of biliteracy. A state seal of biliteracy would be affixed on the high school diplomas and transcripts of graduating pupils attaining proficiency in one or more languages, in addition to English.History of Section.P.L. 2016, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 111, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-22.2-2 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-22.2 - Biliteracy Seal|Section 16-22.2-2 - State seal of biliteracy.

§ 16-22.2-2. State seal of biliteracy.(a) A state seal of biliteracy is established to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English. The state seal of biliteracy shall be awarded by the commissioner. School district participation in this program shall be voluntary.(b) The purposes of the state seal of biliteracy are as follows:(1) To encourage pupils to study languages;(2) To certify attainment of biliteracy;(3) To provide employers with a method of identifying people with language and biliteracy skills;(4) To provide universities with an additional method to recognize applicants seeking admission;(5) To prepare pupils with twenty-first century skills;(6) To recognize the value of foreign language and native language instruction in public schools. For the purpose of this section "foreign language" means any language other than English, including all modern languages, Latin, American sign language, native American languages, and native languages; and(7) To strengthen intergroup relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.(c) The state seal of biliteracy certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduating high school pupil in one or more languages, in addition to English.(d) The council on elementary and secondary education shall promulgate such regulations of the commissioner as may be necessary to establish the criteria that students must achieve to earn a state seal of biliteracy, which may include, but shall not be limited to, attainment of units of credit in English language arts and languages other than English; passage of state assessments in English language arts and languages other than English; and passage of such additional assessments of foreign language proficiency as may be approved by the commissioner for this purpose.(e) The commissioner shall do both of the following:(1) Prepare and deliver, to participating school districts, an appropriate insignia to be affixed to the diploma and transcript of the pupil indicating that the pupil has been awarded a state seal of biliteracy by the commissioner.(2) Provide other information they deem necessary for school districts to successfully participate in the program.(f) A school district that participates in the program under this section shall do both of the following:(1) Maintain appropriate records in order to identify pupils who have earned a state seal of biliteracy.(2) Affix the appropriate insignia to the diploma and transcript of each pupil who earns a state seal of biliteracy.(g) No fee shall be charged to a pupil pursuant to this section.History of Section.P.L. 2016, ch. 97, § 1; P.L. 2016, ch. 111, § 1.
RI Gen L § 16-23-1 (2021)
2021 Rhode Island General Laws|Title 16 - Education|Chapter 16-23 - Textbooks|Section 16-23-1 - Changes in school books.

§ 16-23-1. Changes in school books.A change may be made in the school books in the public schools of any city or town or regional school district by a vote of a majority of all the members of the school committee, notice of the proposed change having been given, in writing, at a previous regular meeting of the committee; provided, that no change is made in any textbook in the public schools of any city or town or regional school district more often than once in three (3) years, unless by the consent of the department of elementary and secondary education.History of Section.G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 23; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 13; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 26; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 26; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-23-1; P.L. 1985, ch. 311, § 1.