Provides that no new network charter school application shall be granted.
Impact
The provisions outlined in S0389 would solidify the existing cap on the number of charter public schools in Rhode Island to a maximum of thirty-five. Moreover, it establishes a clear prohibition on approving any expansions to existing charter schools that would result in the creation of network charter schools. This effectively curtails potential growth in charter institutions that operate under a network model, which has seen support and skepticism in equal measure among educators and policymakers. The legislation aims to ensure that at least half of the charter schools cater to educationally disadvantaged students.
Summary
S0389 is proposed legislation focused on the establishment and operational framework of charter public schools in Rhode Island. The bill specifically aims to prevent the approval of any new applications for network charter schools. This measure reflects an ongoing debate around the effectiveness and impact of charter schools in providing educational opportunities, especially for at-risk populations. The bill reiterates the objective of charter schools as being to enhance accountability in student achievement while granting these institutions greater autonomy compared to traditional public schools.
Contention
The bill's focus on restricting network charter schools has led to significant discourse among stakeholders in the education sector. Proponents argue that limiting the proliferation of network charter schools will prevent the dilution of educational standards and ensure that schools maintain a focus on individual student needs. Opponents, however, view these restrictions as detrimental to the charter school movement, which they believe is necessary for enhancing educational choice and fostering innovation in teaching methods. The ongoing debate emphasizes the tension between maintaining accountability in public education and enabling the flexibility that charter schools are supposed to provide.
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 thermal energy networks network infrastructure by any public utility company that provides electric/natural gas distribution to maximize cost-effective investments deemed in the public interest by the public utilities commission (PUC).
Amends the local share of education funding to be paid to charter public schools based on a comparison of performance data between the specific school from which the student is coming and the specific charter school that will be receiving the student.
Defines suitable person and establishes reasons for applying for carry permit, establishes what information is required on applications, establishes appeal process if application denied and provides that records are not public.
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.
Establishes a new program where the per pupil funding, calculated annually by RIDE, would be transferred into a newly created educational funding account run by the children's scholarship fund to pay for educational expenses.
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.