Bill > H5337

This bill introduces significant changes to charter school regulations in Rhode Island, focusing on nontraditional learning approaches and expanding local control over public education. It allows charter schools to offer innovative, student-centric learning methods that differ from traditional educational approaches, requiring the Rhode Island Department of Education to review these alternative learning strategies. The bill permits local municipalities to adopt an all-charter school public education model, which must first be approved by both the local government council and school committee, and then confirmed through a public referendum. Additionally, the legislation stipulates that if a charter school's charter is not renewed, its allocated seats will be reallocated to a school offering nontraditional learning methods. The bill maintains existing charter school guidelines, such as the limit of 35 total charters and the requirement that at least half of these schools focus on increasing educational opportunities for at-risk students. It emphasizes charter schools' roles as experimental and innovative educational environments while ensuring they remain public, non-sectarian institutions accountable for student performance and adherence to civil rights laws.

Education

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