reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-2. - Civics education.

§ 16-22-2. Civics education.
(a)
The general assembly recognizes the importance of a citizenry well educated in the principles of democracy as enunciated in the constitutions of the state of Rhode Island and the United States. The general assembly directs the board of regents for elementary and secondary education to develop and adopt a set of grade level standards K-12 in civics education no later than August 31, 2007. These standards shall include, but not be limited to, the history of the state of Rhode Island, representative government, the rights and duties of actively engaged citizenship, and the principals of democracy. These civic education standards shall be used in the public schools of this state beginning in kindergarten and continuing through to and including grade 12. No private school or private instruction shall be approved for the purposes of chapter 19 of this title unless the course of study shall make provision for instruction substantially equivalent to that required by this chapter for public schools.
(b)
All middle and high school students attending public schools, or any other schools managed and controlled by the state, shall demonstrate proficiency, as defined by the local school district, in civics education that shall also satisfy half credit or course requirement in history and social studies.
(c)
Each public school district shall provide not less than one student-led civics project for students during either middle or high school; provided, however, that each such project shall be consistent with the history and social studies standards and frameworks promulgated by the Rhode Island board of education. Civics projects may be individual, small group, or class wide, and designed to promote a student’s ability to:
(1)
Reason, make logical arguments, and support claims using valid evidence; and
(2)
Demonstrate an understanding of the connections between federal, state, and local policies, including issues that may impact the student’s community.
(d)
The department of education shall begin implementing subsections (b) and (c) of this section for the 2022-2023 academic year.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 17; P.L. 1922, ch. 2195, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 30; P.L. 1926, ch. 838, § 1; P.L. 1929, ch. 1400, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-2; P.L. 2005, ch. 177, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 180, § 1; P.L. 2021, ch. 208, § 1, effective July 7, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 220, § 1, effective July 8, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-3. - Instruction in physiology and hygiene.

§ 16-22-3. Instruction in physiology and hygiene.
The school committees of the several cities and towns shall make provision for the instruction of the pupils in all schools supported wholly, or in part, by public money, in physiology and hygiene, with special reference to the effects of alcoholic liquors, stimulants, and narcotics upon the human system.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 60, § 7; G.L. 1909, ch. 67, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 17; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-4. - Instruction in health and physical education.

§ 16-22-4. Instruction in health and physical education.
(a)
All children in grades one through twelve (12) attending public schools, or any other schools managed and controlled by the state, except as provided in § 16-100-3(d), shall receive in those schools instruction in health and physical education under rules and regulations the department of elementary and secondary education may prescribe or approve during periods that shall average at least twenty (20) minutes in each school day. No private school or private instruction shall be approved by any school committee for the purposes of chapter 19 of this title as substantially equivalent to that required by law of a child attending a public school in the same city or town unless instruction in health and physical education similar to that required in public schools shall be given. Commencing September 1, 2012, the required health education curriculum shall be based on the health education standards of the Rhode Island health education framework: health literacy for all students as promulgated by the Rhode Island department of education and consistent with the mandated health instructional outcomes therein. Commencing September 1, 2012, the required physical education curriculum shall be based on the physical education standards of the Rhode Island physical education framework: supporting physically active lifestyles through quality physical education as promulgated by the Rhode Island department of education and consistent with the instructional outcomes therein.
(b)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall incorporate, in consultation with the state department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, substance abuse prevention and suicide prevention into the health education curriculum. For the purpose of this section, “substance abuse prevention” means the implementation of evidence-based, age-appropriate programs, practices, or curricula related to the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; “suicide prevention” means the implementation of evidence-based, appropriate programs, practices, or curricula related to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Further, “substance abuse prevention” and suicide prevention programs shall specifically include information provided to students that mixing opioids and alcohol can cause accidental death.
History of Section.
G.L. 1938, ch. 182, § 9; P.L. 1949, ch. 2341, § 1; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-4; P.L. 2008, ch. 254, § 2; P.L. 2008, ch. 463, § 2; P.L. 2017, ch. 107, § 1; P.L. 2017, ch. 115, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 173, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 203, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 176, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 237, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 247, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 254, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-4.1. - Rhode Island healthy weight pilot program established.

§ 16-22-4.1. Rhode Island healthy weight pilot program established.
(a)
The state shall establish pilot programs in communities of the several cities and towns to encourage and promote healthy weight and weight management in children. These programs shall incorporate a combination of exercise and nutrition plans that may include, but shall not be limited to, physical exercise, including walking and jogging, as well as information on healthy food choices.
(b)
Funding for these pilot programs shall be acquired from federal grants and related funds allocated to the state for purposes of combating obesity, and through such additional sources as the legislature shall deem appropriate.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 224, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-4.2. - Free-play recess.

§ 16-22-4.2. Free-play recess.
All children attending public schools, or any other schools managed or controlled by the state, that have elementary grades kindergarten through six (6) shall receive in those schools at least twenty (20) consecutive minutes of supervised, safe, and unstructured free-play recess each day. Free-play recess may be considered instructional time for those schools that would be required to extend the current school day in order to meet this requirement. Teachers shall make a good-faith effort to not withhold recess for punitive reasons. Free-play recess is in addition to the requirements set forth in § 16-22-4. As used herein, the term “free play” means an unstructured environment, but which is supervised by appropriate school personnel or staff.
History of Section.
P.L. 2016, ch. 151, § 2; P.L. 2016, ch. 157, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-5. - Course in fire prevention prescribed.

§ 16-22-5. Course in fire prevention prescribed.
The department of elementary and secondary education is empowered and directed to prescribe a course of study in fire prevention for use in the public schools of the state, dealing with the protection of lives and property against loss or damage as a result of preventable fire.
History of Section.
P.L. 1921, ch. 2025, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 7; G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 7; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-6. - Duty of school officials to arrange for fire prevention course.

§ 16-22-6. Duty of school officials to arrange for fire prevention course.
It shall be the duty of the department of elementary and secondary education, school superintendents, school committees, or other committees or persons having control of public schools in cities and towns to arrange for a course of study in fire prevention, and require its use in each school under its or their control or direction.
History of Section.
P.L. 1921, ch. 2025, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 8; G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2752, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-7. - Repealed.

§ 16-22-7. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1921, ch. 2025, § 3; G.L. 1923, ch. 66, § 9; G.L. 1938, ch. 177, § 9; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-7; Repealed by P.L. 1978, ch. 266, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-8. - Foreign language courses.

§ 16-22-8. Foreign language courses.
(a)
Whenever there shall be twenty (20) students who apply for a course in the Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish language in any high school of the state, the school committee of the specific city or town shall arrange a course in Italian, Portuguese, or Spanish to be conducted by a competent teacher.
(b)
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall establish uniform criteria for the assessment of foreign language proficiency skills of students seeking academic credits that are commensurate to the competency level demonstrated in that foreign language.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 70, § 32; P.L. 1934, ch. 2127, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 178, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 16-22-8; P.L. 1960, ch. 185, § 1; P.L. 1993, ch. 201, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 86, § 40.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-9. - Uniform testing.

§ 16-22-9. Uniform testing.
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall establish a program for uniform achievement testing of pupils in elementary and secondary schools in the state. Pupils attending public schools shall be administered tests under the supervision of the state department of elementary and secondary education in accordance with the program. Pupils attending nonpublic elementary and secondary schools approved in accordance with the provisions of the general and public laws of the state may, upon request of the nonpublic school, be administered tests under the supervision of the state department of elementary and secondary education in accordance with the programs.
History of Section.
P.L. 1963, ch. 12, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 78, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 46, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-9.1. - Foster care youth academic reports.

§ 16-22-9.1. Foster care youth academic reports.
(a)
Every superintendent of schools employed in accordance with the provisions of chapter 2 of this title shall on or before September 15, 2022, and annually thereafter on or before September 15, complete a report on the progress and status of educational achievement and development of all foster care youth attending every public school under the superintendent’s care and supervision. The report shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
The total number of foster care youth identified by school and grade of instruction;
(2)
The number of foster care youth receiving supplementary literacy instruction pursuant to the provisions of § 16-67-2;
(3)
The foster care youth uniform testing scores for testing pursuant to the provisions of § 16-22-9, and the percentage of foster care youth who meet or exceed the mean average score for uniform testing;
(4)
The percentage of foster care youth meeting academic standards;
(5)
The number and percentage of foster care youth receiving alternative or special education services;
(6)
The number of foster care youth suspended or expelled from school during the academic year;
(7)
The number of foster care youth identified as involved in chronic absenteeism, truancy, or as drop-outs; and
(8)
The number of foster care youth assigned to advanced placement.
(b)
If the superintendent determines based on the information provided in the report prepared pursuant to subsection (a) of this section that foster care youth are disproportionately failing to meet academic standards or are disproportionately subject to school discipline compared to the overall student population, then the superintendent shall develop a remediation plan and include the remediation plan as part of the report promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
Every superintendent shall provide a copy of the reports promulgated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the applicable school committee.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 298, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 299, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-10. - Voting instruction.

§ 16-22-10. Voting instruction.
The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for students of the senior class in high school a course of instruction and demonstration in the operation of a voting machine, and of the manner of casting a valid ballot. The board of elections is directed to make available to each city and town school committee one voting machine per city or town to carry out the purposes of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1969, ch. 139, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-11. - Pledge of allegiance.

§ 16-22-11. Pledge of allegiance.
(a)
All public schools, commencing with preprimary school through and including high school, shall commence each day with the following pledge:
(a)
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
(b)
Any person not wishing to participate in the “pledge of allegiance” is exempt from participation and need not participate in the pledge.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 282, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-12. - Required courses on alcohol and substance abuse.

§ 16-22-12. Required courses on alcohol and substance abuse.
(a)
The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of mandatory instruction of students in grades one through twelve (12) on the effects of alcohol and substance abuse upon the human system in existing health education or other courses.
(b)
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall institute courses of instructions for teachers in the public school system on the effects of alcohol and substance abuse.
History of Section.
P.L. 1976, ch. 304, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 74, § 1; P.L. 1985, ch. 303, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-14. - Suicide prevention awareness.

§ 16-22-14. Suicide prevention awareness.
(a)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe a suicide prevention awareness program for public school students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12). The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the program in existing health education courses.
(b)
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall institute workshops to be developed and provided by the Samaritans, Inc. for those public school teachers designated to teach the suicide prevention awareness program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 546, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-15. - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.

§ 16-22-15. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training.
(a)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training course for public school students in the state. The course shall be established in accordance with the requirements and criteria obtained from the Red Cross and/or the American Heart Association and the director of the department of health.
(b)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall promulgate course guidelines including the age or grade level of pupils required to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. This shall at a minimum include psychomotor skill-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and an overview of automated external defibrillator (AED) use for all high school students prior to graduation. “Psychomotor skill” is defined as the use of hands-on practicing to support cognitive learning. Cognitive-only training does not qualify. Formal certification is not required.
(c)
The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the course in training in existing health education courses. The department of elementary and secondary education shall establish a procedure for monitoring adherence to this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 62, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 127, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 134, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-16. - Blocked air passage treatment training.

§ 16-22-16. Blocked air passage treatment training.
(a)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop and prescribe a training course in the emergency treatment for blocked air passages. The course shall be established in accordance with criteria and requirements established by the director of the department of health. The department of elementary and secondary education shall determine the age or grade level of pupils required to receive training.
(b)
The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for the incorporation of the course of training in existing health education courses.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 62, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-17. - AIDS education program.

§ 16-22-17. AIDS education program.
(a)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall, pursuant to rules promulgated by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the director of the department of health, establish comprehensive AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) instruction, which shall provide students with accurate information and instruction on AIDS transmission and prevention, and which course shall also address abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred means of prevention, as a basic education program requirement.
(b)
Upon written request to the school principal, a pupil not less than eighteen (18) years of age or a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the curriculum program instruction materials at the school in which his or her child is enrolled.
(c)
A parent or legal guardian may exempt his or her child from the program by written directive to the principal of the school. No child so exempted shall be penalized academically by reason of the exemption.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 464, § 1; P.L. 1996, ch. 400, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-18. - Health and family life courses.

§ 16-22-18. Health and family life courses.
(a)
Every secondary school teaching courses in family life or sex education within this state shall include, as part of the course instruction, abstinence from sexual activity and refraining from sexual intercourse as the preferred method of pregnancy prevention and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Provided further, part of the course instruction may incorporate age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate elements of effective and evidence-based programs on the law and meaning of consent. Such age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate elements of effective and evidence-based programs on the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and sexual violence may include instruction that increases student awareness of the fact that consent is required before sexual activity.
(b)
Upon written request to the school principal, a pupil not less than eighteen (18) years of age or a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the curriculum program instruction materials at the school in which his or her child is enrolled.
(c)
A parent or legal guardian may exempt his or her child from the program by written directive to the principal of the school. No child so exempted shall be penalized academically by reason of the exemption.
History of Section.
P.L. 1987, ch. 575, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 84, § 10; P.L. 1996, ch. 400, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2018, ch. 191, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-19. - Electronic news or educational programming.

§ 16-22-19. Electronic news or educational programming.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 16-38-6, all cities and towns may establish a program utilizing the display of televised commercial advertising necessarily incidental to the use and display of electronic news, internet access, or educational programming by school officials in connection with the curriculum of the public schools in the cities and towns.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 410, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 132, § 1; P.L. 2000, ch. 484, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-20. - Animal dissection and vivisection — Right to refuse — Alternate learning project required.

§ 16-22-20. Animal dissection and vivisection — Right to refuse — Alternate learning project required.
(a)
A parent(s) or legal guardian of any student in a public or nonpublic primary or secondary school may refuse to allow their child to dissect or vivisect any vertebrate or invertebrate animal, or any part of a vertebrate or invertebrate animal.
(b)
A school that offers dissection or vivisection as a learning activity shall permit those students whose parent(s) or legal guardian refuse to allow them to participate to demonstrate competency through an alternative method of learning the material that would be covered in the activity. Alternative materials and methods may include but not be limited to: video tapes, models, films, books, computer programs, clay modeling or transparencies.
(c)
A teacher shall not discriminate against a student for not participating in dissection or vivisection and shall not lower a grade because a student’s parent or legal guardian has chosen an alternative education project.
History of Section.
P.L. 1997, ch. 214, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-21. - Community service learning.

§ 16-22-21. Community service learning.
(a)
The legislature recognizes the importance of community service learning as a means of enhancing life in the community and as a way of enlightening young people about the needs of others. Whenever young people are led through teaching and example, the likelihood of their becoming productive citizens in society is increased a thousandfold.
(b)
The department of elementary and secondary education shall encourage the establishment of community service learning programs in local school districts by developing a model program and appropriate guidelines for implementation of the model program. Any local school district may petition the commissioner of education for approval of its community service learning program, which may be used in partial fulfillment of the requirement for obtaining a high school diploma. The commissioner shall develop criteria that local school districts may use as a means of determining and recognizing community service learning activities for credit towards a high school diploma. Local school districts that elect to establish community service learning programs pursuant to this section shall submit community service learning program plans for approval by the commissioner every five (5) years.
History of Section.
P.L. 1998, ch. 47, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-22. - Genocide and human rights education.

§ 16-22-22. Genocide and human rights education.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall, pursuant to rules promulgated by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, develop curricular material on genocide and human rights issues and guidelines for the teaching of that material. The material and guidelines shall include, but not be limited to: (1) the period of the transatlantic slave trades and the middle passage; (2) the great hunger period in Ireland; (3) the Armenian genocide; (4) the Holocaust; and (5) the Mussolini fascist regime and other recognized human rights violations. In formulating this program the department shall consult with practicing teachers, principals, superintendents and experts knowledgeable in genocide and human rights issues. Local school committees may incorporate the material into their elementary and secondary school curriculum.
History of Section.
P.L. 2000, ch. 511, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-23. - Mathematics, English/Language Arts, and Science.

§ 16-22-23. Mathematics, English/Language Arts, and Science.
(a)
The board of regents for elementary and secondary education shall select and/or develop a statewide curriculum (i) in Mathematics and English/Language Arts for students in grades kindergarten (k) through twelve (12) by August 31, 2006 and (ii) in Science for students in grades kindergarten (k) through twelve (12) by August 31, 2008.
(b)
The curriculum selected and/or developed by the board of regents shall:
(1)
Be aligned with state standards and assessments utilized by the state department of elementary and secondary education;
(2)
Contain sufficient detail to guide teachers in planning lessons aligned with state standards and assessments.
(c)
By November 1, 2006, the commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall prepare an outline for development and implementation of the science curriculum utilizing appropriate groups and then shall convene a science curriculum advisory committee for the purpose of developing recommended curriculum to the board of regents for elementary and secondary education. The science advisory committee shall include teachers, representatives of teacher unions, administrators, curriculum directors, school committee members, and experts designated by the commissioner.
History of Section.
P.L. 2004, ch. 345, § 1; P.L. 2004, ch. 398, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 246, art. 19, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-24. - Dating violence education.

§ 16-22-24. Dating violence education.
(a)
Each school district shall incorporate dating violence education that is age-appropriate into the annual health curriculum framework for students in grades seven (7) through twelve (12).
(1)
Dating violence education shall include, but not be limited to: defining dating violence; recognizing dating violence warning signs; and characteristics of healthy relationships. Additionally, students shall be provided with the school district’s dating violence policy as provided in § 16-21-30(c).
(2)
For the purposes of this section:
(i)
“At school” means in a classroom, on or immediately adjacent to the school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, at an official school bus stop, or at any school sponsored activity or event whether or not it is on school grounds.
(ii)
“Dating partner” means any person involved in an intimate association with another primarily characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement whether casual, serious, or long-term.
(iii)
“Dating violence” means a pattern of abusive or coercive behaviors used to exert power and control over a current or former dating partner. Behaviors may occur online, in person, or through the use of technology. Abuse may be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological and includes threats, isolation, and intimidation.
(3)
To assist school districts in developing a dating violence education program, the department of education shall review and approve the grade-level topics relating to dating violence and healthy relationships in the “health literacy for all students: the Rhode Island health education framework”.
(4)
The provisions of this section shall be amended in the health education curriculum sections of the Rhode Island rules and regulations for school health programs, R16-21-SCHO, and the Rhode Island basic education program at their next revisions.
(b)
Upon written request to the school principal, a parent or legal guardian of a pupil less than eighteen (18) years of age, within a reasonable period of time after the request is made, shall be permitted to examine the dating violence education program instruction materials at the school in which his or her child is enrolled.
History of Section.
P.L. 2007, ch. 287, § 3; P.L. 2007, ch. 490, § 3; P.L. 2021, ch. 319, § 2, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 320, § 2, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-25. - Lyme disease awareness and prevention program.

§ 16-22-25. Lyme disease awareness and prevention program.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall, in collaboration with the department of health, make Lyme disease awareness and prevention resources available for all public school students in the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 2010, ch. 81, § 4; P.L. 2010, ch. 87, § 4.
2023 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) Prevention of child abduction, child sexual exploitation, and child sexual abuse.
(1)
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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-34. - The basic education program.

§ 16-22-34. The basic education program.
(a)
For the purposes of this chapter, the “basic education program” means a set of regulations promulgated by the council on elementary and secondary education pursuant to its delegated statutory authority to determine standards for the Rhode Island public education system and the maintenance of local appropriation to support its implementation under Rhode Island general laws.
(b)
The basic education program (BEP) shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following basic elements:
(1)
A standard for students who are English language learners; and
(2)
Any other requirements set forth elsewhere in Rhode Island general laws or departmental regulations.
(c)
By August 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, the department of elementary and secondary education (the “department”) shall review BEP compliance of each local education agency (LEA) within the state. The department shall:
(1)
Assess programmatic compliance with the BEP to ensure high-quality education is available to all public school students, regardless of where they reside or which school they attend;
(2)
Determine the incremental cost to meet the BEP utilizing uniform chart of account (UCOA) data from the LEA and all LEAs statewide;
(3)
Determine the sufficiency of both the state and the local education aid to the LEA to meet the BEP; and
(4)
If a deficiency exists in the local education aid to the LEA to meet the BEP, the department shall consult with the department of revenue to issue a joint report to the general assembly on the feasibility of the municipality to raise sufficient funds to meet the BEP standard set in law.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 162, art. 10, § 3, effective July 6, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-35. - Littering prevention and recycling awareness program.

§ 16-22-35. Littering prevention and recycling awareness program.
The department of elementary and secondary education shall, in collaboration with the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation, prescribe a presentation on litter prevention, reducing and reusing materials, and recycling awareness that shall be used to educate every public elementary and middle school student within the state on a yearly basis.
History of Section.
P.L. 2021, ch. 272, § 1, effective July 9, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 273, § 1, effective July 9, 2021.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-36. - Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history study.

§ 16-22-36. Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander history study.
(a)
Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, every public elementary school and secondary school shall include in its curriculum a unit of instruction studying the events of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) history, including the history of AA and NHPIs in Rhode Island and the Northeast, as well as the contributions of AA and NHPIs toward advancing civil rights from the 19th century onward. These events shall include the contributions made by individual AA and NHPIs in government and the arts, humanities, and sciences, as well as the contributions of AA and NHPI communities to the economic, cultural, social, and political development of the United States. The studying of this material shall constitute an affirmation by students of their commitment to respect the dignity of all races and peoples and to forever eschew every form of discrimination in their lives and careers.
(b)
The commissioner of elementary and secondary education shall make available to all school districts instructional materials that may be used as guidelines for development of a unit of instruction under this section. Provided, however, each school district shall itself determine the minimum amount of instructional time that qualifies as a unit of instruction satisfying the requirements of this section.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 291, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 292, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-37. - Dual language immersion model policy and timeline.

§ 16-22-37. Dual language immersion model policy and timeline.
(a)
The Rhode Island department of education (“department”), in consultation with local education agencies (“LEAs”) that have a dual language immersion program, shall create a model policy and timeline to assist LEAs in developing and implementing a dual language immersion program.
(b)
The LEAs approached by the department to consult on the model policy and timeline pursuant to subsection (a) shall cooperate with the department’s requests or inquiries related to any dual language immersion program in a timely manner.
(c)
The model policy and timeline shall:
(1)
Be accessed easily by LEAs through electronic publication or other public distribution; and
(2)
Include, but need not be limited to:
(i)
A detailed description of best practices;
(ii)
A step-by-step timeline; and
(iii)
A list of sources consulted and additional resources to which LEAs may refer if any questions arise concerning the development and implementation of a dual language immersion program.
(d)
The model policy and timeline shall be sent to the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives by January 1, 2023. The department shall also report to the general assembly, beginning on July 31, 2023, and annually thereafter, the number of LEAs with dual language immersion programs, the number of students served in a dual language immersion program by grade level, and the number of teachers for each grade with a dual language immersion program for the most recent school year.
(e)
The Rhode Island department of education shall:
(1)
Research the educational impact of dual language immersion programs across New England and report the findings to the general assembly no later than July 31, 2023; and
(2)
Encourage LEAs to expand or develop courses in world languages in order that students in elementary and middle schools have access to these courses.
(f)
For the purposes of this section, “local education agencies” 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. 2022, ch. 362, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 363, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 16 - Education › Chapter 16-22 - Curriculum [See Title 16 Chapter 97 — the Rhode Island Board of Education Act] › Section 16-22-38. - Career and technical education programs.

§ 16-22-38. Career and technical education programs.
The school committees of the several cities, towns, and school districts shall provide for pupils in the public schools in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) to be taught and be required to study courses that include instruction in career and technical education programs that include knowledge of careers and all types of employment opportunities, including, but not limited to, registered apprenticeships in accordance with chapter 45 of title 28, and emphasizing the advantages of completing school with marketable skills.
History of Section.
P.L. 2022, ch. 346, § 2, effective January 1, 2023; P.L. 2022, ch. 347, § 2, effective January 1, 2023.
2023 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.