Provides that the department of elementary and secondary education, in consultation with a workgroup composed of various stakeholders, develop a funding formula for school districts sending students to career and technical programs outside their district.
Impact
The bill's implementation is intended to enhance transparency and accessibility in career and technical education. By requiring that tuition costs be posted on the school district's website, the legislation promotes awareness among stakeholders, including parents and students. Furthermore, the establishment of a workgroup composed of various educational stakeholders aims to ensure the funding formula aligns with the needs of both the education system and the labor market, potentially leading to improved outcomes for students pursuing these programs.
Summary
Senate Bill 0424, known as the Career and Technical Education Act, mandates the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to devise a funding formula for sending districts regarding students who enroll in career and technical programs outside their own districts. This initiative aims to create a standardized method for calculating tuition fees associated with such programs, thereby facilitating easier financial planning for school districts.
Contention
Notably, while the bill appears to garner widespread support due to its potential benefits for students seeking technical education, there may still be concerns regarding the adequacy of the funding formula. Stakeholders might express apprehensions about how changes in tuition calculations could impact local school budgets and their capacity to support other educational programs. Such financial implications could lead to debate among legislators on the prioritization of resources within the state’s education funding framework.
Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.
Requires a review by the department of elementary and secondary education of the formula components used to compute the aid needed to support high need students.
Directs the council on elementary and secondary education to develop recommendations for a high school curriculum to prepare students for successful postsecondary education and careers in computer science.
Requires the department of education to develop and make available for use in all schools a mental health curriculum. School districts would be required to provide four (4) hours of mental health instruction to seventh grade students.