Requires public middle schools, to allow students from a recognized non-public, charter, or alternative education institution, to participate in a non-sponsored sport in the school district where the student resides.
Impact
This act, once passed, will amend existing educational policies in Rhode Island to require public middle schools to ensure that students from non-sponsoring schools have equitable access to interscholastic sports. The proposed legislation necessitates that the public school principal oversees the participation process but does not obligate schools to create or modify existing athletic programs. This clarification aims to strike a balance between expanding access for students while respecting existing school resources and administrative capabilities.
Summary
House Bill 6271, also known as 'The Vera Riley Act,' aims to enhance student access to interscholastic athletics in Rhode Island. This legislation mandates that public middle schools allow students from recognized non-public, charter, or alternative education institutions to participate in interscholastic sports that their school does not offer. The goal of the bill is to address the inequities faced by students enrolled in smaller or non-traditional educational settings, particularly female students who are disproportionately affected by these restrictions. By broadening student participation in athletics, the bill seeks to promote educational, social, and developmental benefits for all students in the state.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 6271 could stem from concerns about the administrative burden it places on public schools, particularly those that might struggle to accommodate additional participants in their athletic programs. While supporters argue that the bill promotes equality and social integration, critics may raise concerns regarding the impact on school resources and the practicality of integrating students from various educational backgrounds into established sports teams. Throughout the legislative discussions, these balance-seeking considerations will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of this legislation.
Requires all public schools to screen students for behavioral health concerns by June 30, 2025, and thereafter, all students in the third grade, eighth grade, and students who enroll from a district outside of the state.
Allows charter schools to engage in nontraditional approaches to learning, permits local communities to adopt all-charter school public school model for public education.
Establishes the "Attendance for Success Act" that mandates requirements for attendance policies, and provides for multiple plans, reporting requirements and supports to address student absenteeism from school.
Prohibits an educational institution or school district from accessing or using location data for tracking a student's institutional device or personal device, except in limited circumstances.
Establishes the Failing School Choice Act and permits students at failing schools to enroll in any public school and also establishes the Rhode Island education revitalization fund to provide funding to the school choice program.
Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.
Establishes "workplace readiness week". It requires all public high schools, including charter schools, to annually observe that week by providing information to students on their rights as workers and specifies the topics that must be covered.
Establishes the Failing School Choice Act, to permit students at failing schools to enroll in any public school. It also establishes the Rhode Island education revitalization fund to provide funding to the school choice program.