Requires that the basic education program data collection information for students that attend career and technical education schools be charged to the receiving school district and not the sending school district.
Impact
If enacted, S0937 would significantly shift how fiscal responsibilities related to student data are assigned between districts. The expectation is that having the receiving district handle these responsibilities will foster better coordination and focus on the outcomes achieved in CTE programs. By placing the burden on the district with direct oversight of student education, proponents argue that the bill will enable improved tracking of student progress and facilitate better educational outcomes overall.
Summary
Bill S0937 seeks to amend the responsibilities around data collection for students attending career and technical education (CTE) programs in Rhode Island. The main thrust of the bill is to charge the receiving school district, where a student is enrolled, with the responsibility of data collection and reporting, rather than the sending school district from which the student comes. This change is designed to streamline data management for students engaged in CTE programs and is part of the state's broader effort to enhance vocational training alongside traditional educational paths.
Contention
While the bill has widespread support centered on improving vocational education in the state, there are points of contention that are anticipated. The primary debate may revolve around how this new allocation of responsibility affects local education budgets and the equity of resources shared among school districts. Sending districts may raise concerns about potential financial burdens due to the loss of data management responsibilities which could impact how funds are allocated within their jurisdictions.
Additional points
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the CTE board of trustees and the workforce development sectors, positioning CTE programs as essential for meeting the economic needs of Rhode Island. Legislators predict that clearer paths for student enrollment in CTE programs, especially for those from districts lacking similar offerings, will promote higher enrollment rates and better job readiness upon high school graduation.
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.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
Provides that the permanent foundation educational aid program would provide state funding for school-based mental health services pursuant to specified conditions.
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.
Amends the term "extraordinary costs" for the purposes of excess costs associated with special education students. The new definition of extraordinary costs would be educational costs that are over 3 times the average statewide special education cost.