§ 16-7.1-2 - Accountability for student performance.
SECTION 16-7.1-2
§ 16-7.1-2 Accountability for studentperformance. – (a) The board of regents shall adopt and publish statewide standards ofperformance and performance benchmarks in core subject areas to include writingand mathematics (grades four (4), eight (8), and ten (10)). These standards andperformance benchmarks shall be ratified by the board and implemented, andperformance standards and performance benchmarks for reading in two (2) gradesshall be added.
(b) Districts and schools need to be held accountable forstudent performance results. Therefore, every school district receiving stateeducation aid under this title shall develop a district strategic plan. Thedistrict strategic plan shall: (1) be based on high academic standards forstudent performance consistent with the statewide standards and benchmarks; (2)be the product of a shared community wide process which defines a vision ofwhat students should know and be able to do; (3) address the needs of eachschool in the district; (4) encourage the development of school-basedimprovement planning and implementation; (5) include a process for mentoring ofnew teachers; (6) be designed to improve student achievement with emphasis onclosing the performance gaps among groups of students such as the performancegaps correlated with poverty, gender, language background, and disability; (7)include establishment of student intervention teams to address theinstructional needs of diverse learners, include high standards of studentbehavior designed to create an orderly educational environment with due regardfor the rights of students, and an asset protection plan; and (8) be consistentwith Rhode Island's comprehensive education strategy. In order to assure themost efficient use of resources implementing strategic plans, districts andschools are encouraged to work together as consortia and as part of theregional collaboratives.
(c) The strategic plan shall include strategies to improvethe performance of students in mathematics, reading, and writing. Each planmust describe a scientific research based, as described in the No Child LeftBehind Act of 2001, Title 1, Part B, Section 1208 [20 U.S.C. §6368], reading instruction to improve the reading skills of all studentsin the early grades (kindergarten through grade five (5)) that is aligned withthe board of regents reading policy. The district must develop, implement andevaluate a Personal Literacy Program for each student in these grades who isperforming below grade level. These strategies shall be based on the adequateyearly progress expected for students and schools. Annual performance targetsfor determining whether schools and districts have made adequate yearlyprogress will be set by the commissioner of elementary and secondary education.The general assembly expects these district strategies to increase the numberof fourth grade students performing at or above the proficient standard inmathematics, reading, and writing in each district and school. The increaseshall be established annually in accordance with § 16-7.1-4.
(2) The general assembly recognizes the contribution ofschool counselors to positive educational change, to the implementation of theNo Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and to the success of students in three (3)developmental domains: academic, career, and personal/social. It endorses theNational Standards for School Counseling Programs as developed by the AmericanSchool Counselor Association (ASCA). Further, the general assembly encouragesevery district to implement a K-12 standards-based comprehensive, developmentalschool counseling program.
(d) Each strategic plan must indicate the manner in whichself-studies will be completed at the school level in accordance withguidelines established by the commissioner. Funds shall be appropriated to thedepartment of elementary and secondary education to assist districts withon-site reviews. Schools to be visited shall be determined by the commissioner.
(e) Each strategic plan must indicate the method in whichschool administrators and staff shall achieve and maintain an orderlyeducational environment in accordance with due process and with due regard forthe rights of students.
(f) Each strategic plan shall include the development ofinter-agency agreements for the coordination of services among state and localagencies responsible for service to children and families. These agreementsshall address the identification and provision of services to pre-schoolchildren with disabilities and children and youth with behavioral health careneeds.
(g) All district strategic plans and annual updates shall besubmitted to the commissioner of elementary and secondary education no laterthan May 1, of each year.
(h) All strategic plans shall include strategies to decreaseobesity and improve the health and wellness of students and employees throughnutrition, physical activity, health education, and physical education. Saidstrategies shall be submitted by May 1st of each year to the Rhode Islanddepartment of elementary and secondary education and the Rhode Islanddepartment of health.