Bill > H7527

This bill, known as the "Education Mentorship Program Act," mandates that any individual serving as an education mentor in public schools must be a "certified support educator," meaning they hold a valid Rhode Island educator certification or license in a student support discipline such as a school guidance counselor, school social worker, or school psychologist. An "education mentor" is defined as an adult assigned by a school district or public school to guide and support students, and a "public school" encompasses various educational entities including local education agencies and public charter schools. The bill emphasizes that these mentors should ideally have an existing professional relationship with the student or be assigned in a way that allows for the development of a meaningful, sustained relationship, and they must have access to relevant student information and school resources to effectively address academic, social, emotional, and environmental needs. The act outlines the mentor's role, which includes providing individualized guidance, identifying barriers to student success, coordinating with relevant parties, using evidence-based strategies, and advocating for student well-being, with the Department of Education responsible for creating rules and regulations for program implementation. This legislation will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Education

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