Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2148

Introduced
1/24/24  
Refer
1/24/24  
Report Pass
5/8/24  
Engrossed
5/16/24  

Caption

2) MAXIMUM CLASS SIZE ACT (Mandates 20 students per classroom for kindergarten through second grade. Exceptions for emergencies and temporary situations, not to exceed 3 days and mid-year enrollments.

Impact

Should S2148 be passed and enacted, the state education laws will see a significant change regarding classroom management and teacher-student ratios. Schools will be required to monitor enrollment and class sizes more vigilantly and to develop strategies to accommodate students effectively within the new limits. This change could necessitate additional resources, such as hiring more teachers or reworking class schedules to maintain compliance with the new mandates. The proposed act may also spark discussions regarding funding and resource allocation within school districts, especially those already facing budget constraints.

Summary

Bill S2148, titled the Kindergarten Through Grade Two Maximum Class Size Act, proposes a legislative requirement mandating that public school classrooms for kindergarten through second grade have a maximum class size of twenty students. This act aims to enhance the educational environment for young learners by ensuring smaller class sizes, which are often associated with improved student attention, better participation, and overall academic success. The bill specifies that this class size limit should be adhered to on or before October 1st of each academic year, allowing for exceptions only under certain conditions such as emergencies or temporary situations lasting no more than three days.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the implementation of S2148. Critics might argue that enforcing such class size limitations can strain already pressed budgets and limit schools' flexibility to adapt to varying student populations throughout the school year. The exceptions outlined for emergency situations and mid-year enrollments, while accommodating, may lead to challenges in uniformly applying the new rules. Proponents of the bill, however, contend that smaller class sizes provide a better learning experience and will ultimately benefit students in the long run by promoting higher rates of academic achievement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0177

The Kindergarten Through Grade Two

RI H5085

The Kindergarten Through Grade Two

RI H5790

Rhode Island Pre-kindergarten Education Act

RI S0263

The Bright Today Scholarship And Open Enrollment Education Act

RI H5637

The Bright Today Scholarship And Open Enrollment Education Act

RI H6358

State Department Of Elementary And Secondary Education

RI H5200

Making Appropriations For The Support Of The State For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024

RI S0559

Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance

RI H6254

House Resolution Extending The Reporting And Expiration Dates Of The Special Legislative Commission To Study The Effects And Impact That Hybrid And Virtual Learning Employed During The Pandemic Has Had On The Achievement Rates Of Children In Kindergarten Through 12th Grade (extends The Reporting And Expiration Dates Of The Commission To Study The Effects And Impact Of Hybrid And Virtual Learning During The Pandemic, From July 31, 2024, To November 15, 2024, And Would Expire On November 29, 2024.)

RI H6053

The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.