reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-96 - The College and Career Success for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-96-6. - Notice to be given regarding applications for student financial assistance.

§ 16-96-6. Notice to be given regarding applications for student financial assistance.
(a)
On and after July 1, 2023, the guidance department of every public or private high school in the state shall ensure that notices (the “notice”) are provided to students and their parent, guardian, or responsible adult, regarding the merit and benefits of completing and filing the FAFSA form (the “FAFSA”) and the Rhode Island alternative financial aid application form (the “alternative application”). This notice shall be provided in either the student’s junior year or no later than November 1 of the student’s senior year. The guidance department shall determine the form for providing the notice that shall best ensure the information is communicated both to the student and to the student’s parent, guardian, or responsible adult.
(b)
The form of the notice may include, but shall not limited to, a written paper or hard copy writing or an electronic copy. The notice may be provided in multiple formats. A hard copy of the notice shall be kept in the student’s file.
(c)
The notice shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1)
A general explanation of what the FAFSA and the alternative application are;
(2)
The potential merit to and benefits of completing and submitting a FAFSA or alternative application, including, but not limited to, the awarding of financial aid, income or need-based aid, merit and other scholarship money, the Promise Scholarship, and Pell Grants, to pursue postsecondary education;
(3)
A general discussion on what financial aid is and the many forms it can take;
(4)
General instructions on how to complete each form; and
(5)
Links to the applicable websites shall also be included.
(d)
The notice may include referrals to organizations, websites, and other resources to provide more detailed instructions on the completion of the forms.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 297, § 2, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 298, § 2, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-1.1. - Purposes of the board of education.

§ 16-97-1.1. Purposes of the board of education.
The Rhode Island Board of Education shall be responsible for long-range planning and for coordinating and evaluating policies and programs for the public educational systems of the state. The general assembly finds and declares that the board of education shall have the following purposes:
(a)
To develop and adopt educational, financial and operational goals for the education systems of the state that represent achievable benchmarks for a ten-year (10) and twenty-year (20) time frame and that can be implemented by the council on elementary and secondary education, the council on postsecondary education, and the commissioners for elementary and secondary education and postsecondary education;
(b)
To ensure that the education systems of the state are aligned with the projected opportunities in workforce development and economic development and that the education systems are preparing students to participate in the future workforce of Rhode Island;
(c)
To coordinate programs and courses of study and promote collaboration between and among pre-kindergarten through higher education institutions and agencies, including, but not limited to:
(1)
Improving career and college readiness;
(2)
Reducing the need for remedial instruction;
(3)
Implementing and coordinating common core and other system wide standards;
(4)
Ensuring a quality system for adult education and certification programs in secondary school and college.
(d)
To present strategic budget and finance recommendations to the council on elementary and secondary education and council on postsecondary education that are aligned with the long-range goals adopted by the board.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 20, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-2. - Repealed.

§ 16-97-2. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 20, § 10, effective June 19, 2014.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-3. - Repealed.

§ 16-97-3. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 3; Repealed by P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 20, § 10, effective June 19, 2014.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-4. - Change of former names.

§ 16-97-4. Change of former names.
Effective January 1, 2013, the term “Rhode Island Board of Education” shall be used in lieu of any then existing law reference made to the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the board of governors for higher education.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-5. - Abolishment of boards.

§ 16-97-5. Abolishment of boards.
The board of governors for higher education established in chapter 16-59 and the board of regents for elementary and secondary education established in chapter 16-60 shall cease to exist as of January 1, 2013.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-6. - Reporting requirements.

§ 16-97-6. Reporting requirements.
The board shall submit an annual report to the governor, speaker of the house, senate president, chairs of the house and senate finance committees and their respective fiscal advisors, the chair of the house health, education and welfare committee, and chair of the senate education committee no later than March 1, 2015, and every March 1 thereafter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 4, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 145, art. 20, § 8; P.L. 2014, ch. 369, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 381, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-7. - Tuition waivers — Disclosure as a prerequisite to receipt.

§ 16-97-7. Tuition waivers — Disclosure as a prerequisite to receipt.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no employee of the state board of education, or the board of trustees for the university of Rhode Island, his or her spouse, domestic partner or dependent, shall receive a tuition waiver as a result of employment status with the state board of education, or the board of trustees for the university of Rhode Island without first consenting to the public disclosure of the existence and amount of the waiver. This section shall apply to any tuition waivers, including, but not limited to, any such waiver at the community college of Rhode Island, Rhode Island college, and/or the university of Rhode Island.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 295, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 380, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 9, § 8.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-8. - Assessment of student performance.

§ 16-97-8. Assessment of student performance.
(a)
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall implement the state assessment program. The program shall include performance standards and an annual report that disaggregates performance by race, poverty, native language, and gender.
(b)
Prior to the graduating class of 2017, no state assessment conducted pursuant to this chapter, and no other standardized testing program or assessment, shall be used to determine a student’s eligibility to graduate from high school. Any such assessments implemented prior to the graduating class of 2017 shall be used to promote school improvement and to target remediation programs to individual students and groups of students.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 336, § 3; P.L. 2014, ch. 337, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-10. - Closing the achievement gap.

§ 16-97-10. Closing the achievement gap.
The board of education and council on elementary and secondary education shall adopt a state goal of closing the achievement gaps in third-grade reading and third-grade math for all groups and subgroups of student population by fifty percent (50%) by school year 2020 and closure in its entirety by 2025. The board of education shall direct the council on postsecondary education, in conjunction with the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island, to develop strategies to increase the recruitment of minority teacher-preparation students in an effort to increase diversity in the teaching profession. The board of education, in conjunction with the department of elementary and secondary education and the office of the postsecondary commissioner, shall develop a plan and shall set state goals to close all achievement and opportunity gaps across the PK — 20 public system of education.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 523, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-97 - The Rhode Island Board of Education Act › Section 16-97-11. - American Rescue Plan fiscal accountability and transparency.

§ 16-97-11. American Rescue Plan fiscal accountability and transparency.
(a)
The board of education and council on elementary and secondary education shall require all school districts and local education agencies to report on a standardized form each fiscal year, relating to any and all of the American Rescue Plan, elementary and secondary school emergency relief, and state and local recovery funds, the following information:
(1)
Amounts received;
(2)
Amounts allocated with project/program description;
(3)
Amounts spent on hiring staff;
(4)
Job titles hired or retained with aforesaid funds;
(5)
Premium pay amount issued to employees and type of employees compensated;
(6)
Total amount of funds not spent and remaining, if any; and
(7)
Copies of all progress reports submitted to federal government agencies concerning the use of “ESSER III” proceeds.
(b)
Said reports shall be published on the department of education’s website for public inspection and review.
History of Section.
P.L. 2023, ch. 345, § 1, effective July 1, 2023; P.L. 2023, ch. 347, § 1, effective July 1, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-98 - Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-98-1. - Short title.

§ 16-98-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Access To Advanced Placement Courses For All Students Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-98 - Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-98-2. - Definitions.

§ 16-98-2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings given to them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1)
“Advanced placement” means a college-level class taught at the high school level that provides students the opportunity to earn college credit upon passage of an exam that:
(i)
Incorporates all topics specified by the College Board on its standards syllabus for a given subject area; and
(ii)
Is authorized by the College Board.
(2)
[Deleted by P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 10, § 4.]
(3)
“College Board” means and refers to the nonprofit organization that develops and administers standardized tests and curricula used by kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) and postsecondary education institutions to promote college readiness.
(4)
“Department” means the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education.
(5)
“Eligible teacher” means a professional employee who is certified in the subject area of the advanced placement course that he or she will be teaching.
(6)
“Examination” or “exam” means the test provided by the College Board to measure a student’s mastery of the advanced placement subject matter.
(7)
“Four core academic areas” means advanced placement courses in English, mathematics, science, and social science.
(8)
“Poverty level” means students whose family income is at or below one hundred eighty-five percent (185%) of federal poverty guidelines.
(9)
“Program” means furtherance of the advanced placement classes in the public schools and includes teacher training and increased student participation.
(10)
“School district” means any public school district, school unit, area-vocational-technical school, charter school, or mayoral academy that composes a school district; the term also encompasses a single high school or multiple high schools within a school district where applicable.
(11)
“Teacher training entities” means institutions of higher education, intermediate units or organizations approved/certified by the College Board to train teachers to teach advanced placement courses.
(12)
“Virtual learning instruction” means providing academic courses to students via the Internet and/or the use of technology in providing instruction to students.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 10, § 4, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-98 - Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-98-4. - Powers and duties of department.

§ 16-98-4. Powers and duties of department.
(a)
Guidelines.
The department shall promulgate rules, regulations, and procedures necessary for the implementation of this chapter including, but not limited to, the following:
(1)
In consultation with the College Board, certify those teacher-training entities that are qualified to provide training of teachers to teach advanced placement courses in the four (4) core academic areas;
(2)
In certifying teacher-training entities for this program, the department shall ensure that the training times and locations will be geographically accessible for teachers from eligible school entities to attend;
(3)
The department, in consultation with the College Board, shall ensure that training provided by those teacher-training entities must provide teachers of advanced placement courses with the necessary content knowledge and instructional skills to prepare students for success in advanced placement courses and examinations;
(4)
Starting at the end of the first year of the program, and every year thereafter, the department shall issue a report to the general assembly on the advanced placement teacher-training program that shall include, but not be limited to:
(i)
The number of teachers receiving training in advanced placement instructions in school entities, school districts and high schools in each of the four (4) core academic areas.
(ii)
The number of students taking advanced placement courses at school entities in each of the four (4) core academic areas.
(iii)
The number of students scoring a three (3) or more on an advanced placement examination at school entities in each of the four (4) core academic areas.
(iv)
The remaining unmet need for trained teachers in school entities that do not offer advanced placement courses.
(v)
The number of students taking advanced placement courses who do not take the advanced placement examination.
(vi)
The number of students below the poverty level who take advanced placement courses.
(vii)
The number of students below the poverty level who take advanced placement courses and do not take the advanced placement examination; and
(5)
In consultation with local education authorities, ensure that the opportunity to participate in the advanced placement program and gain college credit is available to the greatest number of students as practicable.
(b)
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the board of education, through the department, from expanding the program to include other nationally accepted courses of study that provide students an opportunity to gain college credits from classes taken in high school.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 10, § 4, effective July 6, 2021; P.L. 2022, ch. 234, art. 2, § 9, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-98 - Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-98-5. - Funding to teacher training entities.

§ 16-98-5. Funding to teacher training entities.
To the extent funds are appropriated for this program, the department shall provide grants per eligible teacher to the endorsed teacher training entities that provide training to teachers to teach advanced placement upon completion of the training program.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-98 - Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-98-6. - Program funding.

§ 16-98-6. Program funding.
(a)
Funding shall be for the purpose of providing advanced placement examinations to students at or below the poverty level at no cost to the student.
(b)
Notwithstanding any general law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the department shall include as part of its annual budget the amount necessary to pay the exam costs for all students below the poverty level who take advanced placement courses.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 347, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 10, § 4, effective July 6, 2021; P.L. 2022, ch. 234, art. 2, § 9, effective June 28, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-98 - Access to Advanced Placement Courses for All Students Act [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — The Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-98-7. - Availability of advanced placement courses.

§ 16-98-7. Availability of advanced placement courses.
(a)
Any school district offering advanced placement courses to students shall notify parents of their availability and the guidelines the school district uses in determining which students may be eligible to enroll in an advanced placement course.
(b)
Any school district offering advanced placement courses to students shall publish on the school district’s website the names of the advanced placement courses being offered to students and the guidelines the school district uses in determining which students may be eligible to enroll in an advanced placement course.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 347, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-99 - Full-Day Kindergarten Accessibility Act › Section 16-99-1. - Short title.

§ 16-99-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Full-Day Kindergarten Accessibility Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 382, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-99 - Full-Day Kindergarten Accessibility Act › Section 16-99-2. - Legislative findings.

§ 16-99-2. Legislative findings.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares as follows:
(1)
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children in full-day kindergarten classes make greater academic gains in both reading and mathematics compared to those in half-day classes;
(2)
According to Kids Count RI, full-day kindergarten can contribute to closing academic achievement gaps between lower and higher income children;
(3)
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, full-day kindergarten classes are more likely than half-day classes to instruct students daily in the areas of mathematics, social studies and science; and
(4)
According to Kids Count RI, children in full-day kindergarten are more likely to be ready for first grade than those in half-day programs, regardless of family income, parental education and school characteristics.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 382, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 6, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-99 - Full-Day Kindergarten Accessibility Act › Section 16-99-3. - Full-day kindergarten.

§ 16-99-3. Full-day kindergarten.
(a)
For the purpose of this chapter, the term “full-day kindergarten” means a kindergarten program that operates a minimum of five and one-half (5½) hours or three hundred thirty (330) minutes of actual school work, excluding lunch, recess periods, common planning time, pre- and post-school teacher time, study halls, homeroom periods, student passing time and any other time that is not actual instructional time.
(b)
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education has discretion to further define and approve full-day kindergarten programs consistent with this section through the 2015-2016 school year.
(c)
Beginning August 2016, each school district must offer full-day kindergarten to every eligible student to qualify for state education aid provided for in title 16. In fiscal year 2016, the Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education shall provide funding to support transition expenses for all districts that do not offer universal full-day kindergarten programs in the 2015-2016 school year. This funding shall not exceed the amount of state aid that would otherwise have been provided to the district for operating a universal full-day kindergarten program and shall be based upon 2015 enrollment data and funding formula transition rates. For purposes of the calculation under this section, a district’s half-day kindergarten enrollment as of March 2015 shall be multiplied by two.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 382, § 1; P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 6, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-99 - Full-Day Kindergarten Accessibility Act › Section 16-99-5. - Reporting.

§ 16-99-5. Reporting.
The Rhode Island department of elementary and secondary education shall report to the senate president, speaker of the house, and the governor on the progress of this initiative on or before May 1st, 2014, and on an annual basis by May 1st of each year thereafter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2012, ch. 372, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 382, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 358, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-100 - Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act › Section 16-100-1. - Short title.

§ 16-100-1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-100 - Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act › Section 16-100-2. - Definition.

§ 16-100-2. Definition.
“Dual Enrollment” means that a student is enrolled in a secondary school while simultaneously enrolled part-time or full-time at a local institution of higher learning, such as a community college or university.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-100 - Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act › Section 16-100-3. - Policy implemented.

§ 16-100-3. Policy implemented.
(a)
The board of education shall prescribe by regulation a statewide dual enrollment policy that shall allow students to enroll in courses at postsecondary institutions to satisfy academic credit requirements in both high school and the aforementioned postsecondary institutions. The regulations shall address the postsecondary institution’s graduation requirements, if any; the institution’s ability to award degrees/certificates in Rhode Island; the minimum course grade to receive credit at the student’s secondary school; and any other criteria that the board deems appropriate.
(b)
The board shall convene a workgroup, including, but not limited to, representatives from the department of elementary and secondary education, the office of the postsecondary commissioner, superintendents, school committees, public higher education institutions, guidance counselors, and teachers. The purpose of the workgroup is to consider and advise the board as to a dual enrollment policy and its possible effect on school funding pursuant to chapter 7.2 of this title; academic supports; transportation; possible shared costs of the education; possible fee schedules; manners in which low-income students could access the program; and possible contracted tuition costs with our public higher education institutions.
(c)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, payments to public institutions of higher education for dual and concurrent enrollment shall be limited to no greater than the appropriation contained in the appropriations act. On or before September 30, 2017, the council on postsecondary education shall promulgate rules and regulations enforcing this limitation.
(d)
Students in grade twelve (12) enrolled full-time, as defined by the institution, in a dual enrollment program where the courses are taken on a higher education institution campus shall be exempt from the requirements set forth in § 16-22-4(a).
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 199, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 302, art. 12, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 237, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 247, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-100 - Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act › Section 16-100-4. - Dual enrollment adoption.

§ 16-100-4. Dual enrollment adoption.
School districts and schools must adopt the statewide dual enrollment policy promulgated pursuant to this section by June 30, 2015. All school districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, approved private day or residential schools and collaborative schools shall be subject to the requirements of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-100 - Dual Enrollment Equal Opportunity Act › Section 16-100-5. - Reporting.

§ 16-100-5. Reporting.
School districts that have students participating in dual enrollment programs shall report to the department of elementary and secondary education on an annual basis regarding the number of students, the number of credits enrolled in at postsecondary institutions, the name of the institution, and the dollar amount the school district is allocated for this program. The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide the governor, president of the senate and speaker of the house a report that shall contain the above information provided by district and in the aggregate on an annual basis by October 31 of each year, commencing on July 1, 2016.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 168, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 199, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-101 - Academic Credit for Military Service › Section 16-101-1. - Academic credit for military service.

§ 16-101-1. Academic credit for military service.
(a)
State public higher education institutions in the state shall honor the military training, experience, correspondence courses, and occupations of an individual who has served in the military or armed forces of the United States by allowing academic credits that meet the standards of the American Council on Education or equivalent standards for awarding academic credit, if the award of the educational credit is based upon the institution’s admission standards and its role, scope, and mission. The board of education shall adopt policies or regulations requiring each institution to award educational credits to a student enrolled in the institution, based upon the student’s military training or service when academically appropriate.
(b)
The board of trustees for the university of Rhode Island, in consultation with the president and the faculty senate, shall adopt policies or regulations requiring the award of educational credits to a student enrolled at the university, based upon the student’s military training or service when academically appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 288, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 384, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 9, § 9.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-102 - The Rhode Island Teachers’ Advisory Council › Section 16-102-1. - Legislative purpose.

§ 16-102-1. Legislative purpose.
It is the purpose of the Rhode Island teachers’ advisory council to provide a streamlined communication mechanism between teachers and the state board of education, the policy setting board of elementary and secondary education by:
(1)
Providing teachers with the ability to inform policymakers about implementation, concerns, and or practical issues regarding regulations and/or policies, whether proposed or promulgated;
(2)
Bringing voices of classroom teachers into the conversation about policies and regulations which impact classroom activities; and
(3)
Improving the conversation about the policies and regulations regarding our education system to ensure their successful implementation that benefits all Rhode Island students.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 330, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 433, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-102 - The Rhode Island Teachers’ Advisory Council › Section 16-102-2. - Rhode Island Teachers’ Advisory Council established.

§ 16-102-2. Rhode Island Teachers’ Advisory Council established.
(a)
There is hereby established a Rhode Island teachers’ advisory council, hereinafter referred to as “RITAC,” that shall advise the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the state board of education, whichever body is in effect at the time. RITAC shall be comprised of one teacher from each school district chosen by the districts’ state association of teacher representatives, such as the national education association and the Rhode Island federation of teachers and health professionals, in conjunction with the local district teacher representative in a manner that they deem appropriate. The Rhode Island league of charter schools shall choose two (2) teachers from its public charter schools in a manner that it deems appropriate. The Rhode Island mayoral academies shall choose one teacher from its mayoral academies in a manner that it deems appropriate. The term of each teacher representative shall be two (2) years. Each representative shall be chosen within ninety (90) days of passage and by October 1 every two (2) years thereafter. Upon organization, the members of RITAC shall elect a chairperson and any other officers.
(b)
RITAC shall meet no less than four (4) times per year and provide the board of regents for elementary and secondary education and/or the state board of education, whichever board is in effect, with a minimum of quarterly reports at a regularly scheduled board meeting.
History of Section.
P.L. 2013, ch. 330, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 433, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-103 - Student Social Media Privacy › Section 16-103-1. - Definitions.

§ 16-103-1. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
“Social media account” means an electronic service or account, or electronic content, including, but not limited to, videos, still photographs, blogs, video blogs, podcasts, instant and text messages, email, online service or accounts, or internet website profiles or locations. For the purposes of this chapter, social media account does not include an account opened at a school’s behest, or provided by the school, or intended to be used primarily on behalf of the school.
(2)
“Applicant” means an applicant for admission to an educational institution.
(3)
“Educational institution” or “school” means a private or public institution that offers participants, students, or trainees an organized course of study or training that is academic, technical, trade-oriented, or preparatory for gainful employment in a recognized occupation and shall include any person acting as an agent of the institution.
(4)
“Student” means any student, participant, or trainee, whether full-time or part-time, in an organized course of study at an educational institution.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-103 - Student Social Media Privacy › Section 16-103-2. - Social media password requests prohibited.

§ 16-103-2. Social media password requests prohibited.
No educational institution shall:
(1)
Require, coerce, or request a student or prospective student to disclose the password or any other means for accessing a personal social media account;
(2)
Require, coerce, or request a student or prospective student to access a personal social media account in the presence of the educational institution’s employee or representative; or
(3)
Require or coerce a student or prospective student to divulge any personal social media account information.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-103 - Student Social Media Privacy › Section 16-103-3. - Social media access requests prohibited.

§ 16-103-3. Social media access requests prohibited.
No educational institution shall compel a student or applicant, as a condition of acceptance or participation in curricular or extracurricular activities, to add anyone, including a coach, teacher, school administrator, or other school employee or school volunteer, to his or her list of contacts associated with a personal social media account or require, request, or cause a student or applicant to alter settings that affect a third party’s ability to view the contents of a personal social media account.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-103 - Student Social Media Privacy › Section 16-103-4. - Disciplinary action prohibited.

§ 16-103-4. Disciplinary action prohibited.
No educational institution shall:
(1)
Discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize or threaten to discharge, discipline, or otherwise penalize any student for a student’s refusal to disclose or provide access to any information specified in § 16-103-2, or for refusal to add a coach, teacher, administrator, or other school employee or school volunteer to his or her list of contacts associated with a personal social media account, or to alter settings associated with a personal social media account, as specified in § 16-103-3; or
(2)
Fail or refuse to admit any applicant as a result of the applicant’s refusal to disclose or provide access to any information specified in § 16-103-2 or for refusal to add a coach, teacher, school administrator, or other school employee or school volunteer to his or her list of contacts associated with a personal social media account or to alter settings associated with a personal social media account, as specified in § 16-103-3.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-103 - Student Social Media Privacy › Section 16-103-5. - Exceptions.

§ 16-103-5. Exceptions.
This chapter shall not apply to information about a student that is publicly available.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-103 - Student Social Media Privacy › Section 16-103-6. - Penalties for violations.

§ 16-103-6. Penalties for violations.
In any civil action alleging a violation of this chapter, the court may:
(1)
Award to a prevailing applicant or student declaratory relief, damages, and reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs; and
(2)
Award injunctive relief against any school or agent of any educational institution that or who commits or proposes to commit a violation of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 1; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-104 - Student Data-Cloud Computing › Section 16-104-1. - Student data-cloud computing.

§ 16-104-1. Student data-cloud computing.
(a)
For the purposes of this chapter:
(1)
“Cloud computing service” means a service that enables convenient on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources to provide a student, teacher, or staff member account-based productivity applications such as email, document storage, and document editing that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or cloud computing service provider interaction.
(2)
“Cloud computing service provider” means an entity other than a public elementary or secondary school that operates a cloud computing service.
(3)
“Process” means to use, access, manipulate, scan, modify, transform, disclose, store, transmit, transfer, retain, aggregate, or dispose of student data.
(4)
“Student data” means any information in any media or format created or provided:
(i)
By a student; or
(ii)
By a school board employee about a student in the course of using a cloud computing service, including the student’s name, email address, postal address, email message, documents, unique identifiers, and metadata.
(b)
Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any person who provides a cloud computing service to an educational institution operating within the state shall process data of a student enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth (12th) grade for the sole purpose of providing the cloud computing service to the educational institution and shall not process such data for any commercial purposes, including, but not limited to, advertising purposes that benefit the cloud computing service provider.
(c)
Each cloud computing service that enters into a contract to provide such services shall certify, in writing, that it shall comply with the provisions of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2014, ch. 188, § 2; P.L. 2014, ch. 207, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-105 - School Building Authority › Section 16-105-1. - Legislative findings.

§ 16-105-1. Legislative findings.
(a)
The state of Rhode Island is committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all public school students.
(b)
School facilities provide more than a place for instruction. The physical learning environment contributes to the successful performance of educational programs designed to meet students’ educational needs.
(c)
Every student needs a safe, healthy, and sanitary learning environment that promotes student learning and development.
(d)
School construction policies should encourage districts to reduce excess capacity through means such as partnering with other districts, closing buildings, and altering grade configurations in certain buildings to maximize the use of square feet.
(e)
In order to maximize limited state resources, the project prioritization process should focus on projects with the most urgent and immediate need.
(f)
State-funded school construction project financing should transition from a system that largely reimburses local debt service to one that provides a set amount of financing annually to provide greater stability from a budgetary perspective while guiding limited resources to best use.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 9, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-105 - School Building Authority › Section 16-105-2. - School building authority established.

§ 16-105-2. School building authority established.
The general assembly hereby designates the department of elementary and secondary education as the state’s school building authority with the responsibility to implement a system of state funding for school facilities designed to:
(1)
Promote adequate school housing for all public school children in the state; and
(2)
Prevent the cost of school housing from interfering with the effective operation of the schools.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 9, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-105 - School Building Authority › Section 16-105-4. - Funding mechanisms for school facilities.

§ 16-105-4. Funding mechanisms for school facilities.
The school building authority within the department shall oversee and manage two distinct funding mechanisms for school facilities: the foundation program for school housing, as set forth in §§ 16-7-35 to 16-7-47, and the school building authority capital fund, as set forth in chapter 38.2 of title 45. The school building authority shall determine the necessity of school construction; establish standards for design and construction of school buildings; ensure that districts have adequate asset protection plans in place to maintain their school facilities; make recommendations to the council on elementary and secondary education for approval of projects for school housing aid reimbursement; and establish a project priority list for projects funded by the school building authority capital fund and school housing aid set forth in §§ 16-7-35 to 16-7-47 that shall apply to any projects submitted or reviewed on or after May 1, 2015.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 9, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-105 - School Building Authority › Section 16-105-6. - Inspection of approved projects.

§ 16-105-6. Inspection of approved projects.
For any approved project, the school building authority shall have the authority to inspect the construction and operation thereof to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 9, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-105 - School Building Authority › Section 16-105-7. - Expenses incurred by the school building authority.

§ 16-105-7. Expenses incurred by the school building authority.
In order to provide for one-time or limited expenses of the school building authority under this chapter, the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation shall provide funding from the school building authority capital fund, fees generated from the origination of municipal bonds and other financing vehicles used for school construction, and its own reserves. The school building authority shall, by October 1 of each year, report to the governor and the chairs of the senate and house finance committees, the senate fiscal advisor, and the house fiscal advisor the amount sought for expenses for the next fiscal year.
There is also hereby established a restricted-receipt account within the budget of the department of elementary and secondary education entitled “school construction services,” to be financed by the Rhode Island health and educational building corporation’s sub-allotments of fees generated from the origination of municipal bonds and other financing vehicles used for school construction and its own reserves. Effective July 1, 2018, this account shall be utilized for the express purpose of supporting personnel expenditures directly related to the administration of the school construction aid program. Expenditure of all restricted receipts accepted by the department shall be subject to the annual appropriation process and approval by the general assembly.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 9, § 2; P.L. 2018, ch. 47, art. 9, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 9, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-105 - School Building Authority › Section 16-105-9. - Severability.

§ 16-105-9. Severability.
If any provision of this chapter or the application of this chapter to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the chapter, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are declared to be severable.
History of Section.
P.L. 2015, ch. 141, art. 9, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-1. - Short title.

§ 16-106-1. Short title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016.”
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-2. - Public postsecondary performance incentive funding.

§ 16-106-2. Public postsecondary performance incentive funding.
The commissioner of postsecondary education is hereby directed to implement a performance incentive funding formula that meets the requirements of this chapter, in consultation with the council on postsecondary education.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-106 - The Performance Incentive Funding Act of 2016 › Section 16-106-3. - Performance incentive funding — Community College of Rhode Island.

§ 16-106-3. Performance incentive funding — Community College of Rhode Island.
(a)
Beginning in FY 2018, funding for the Community College of Rhode Island (“CCRI”) shall include a performance-based component utilizing all additional allocations of otherwise unrestricted, higher-education general revenue greater than the base amount received pursuant to the FY 2016 budget as enacted of total unrestricted state higher-education funding.
(b)
Data on which to base performance measures as described in subsection (c) shall be defined by the commissioner of postsecondary education, in consultation with the council on postsecondary education. Measures shall begin to be collected in FY 2017.
These measures may include and incorporate outcomes or goals from multiple, previous years. The lack of information from previous years, however, will not affect the use of performance-based measures.
(c)
The performance-based measures shall be consistent with the purpose, role, scope, and mission of CCRI, and shall include the following metrics:
(1)
For first-time, full-time students, the number and percentage, including growth thereof in relation to enrollment and in prior years, of associate’s degrees awarded to students within two (2) years and three (3) years, including summer graduates; for part-time students, performance-based measures shall be based on incremental milestones made toward achieving degree or certificate completion;
(2)
The number of one year or longer industry-recognized certificates earned by students within an expected amount of time, and weighted to increase high demand, high-wage field certificates consistent with CCRI’s purpose;
(3)
One measure, as agreed to by the commissioner of postsecondary education and the president of CCRI, who shall consider faculty, staff, and student input; and
(4)
Any other measures that are deemed appropriate by the council of postsecondary education.
(d)
Weight may be assigned to any of the aforementioned metrics to reinforce the purpose, role, scope, and mission of CCRI, the economic needs of the state, and the socio-economic status of the students. The commissioner may consider the college’s improvements in said metrics when determining whether the college has satisfied the annual measure despite not reaching the overall goal.
(e)
The commissioner shall provide faculty and students an opportunity to provide input on the development of performance measures.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 521, § 1.