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H7527
2026 -- H 7527
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LC004826
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT
Introduced By:
Representatives Casimiro, McNamara, Potter, Read, Hopkins, Shallcross
Smith, Kazarian, Alzate, Diaz, and Stewart
Date Introduced:
February 06, 2026
Referred To:
House Education
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Findings.
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The general assembly finds and declares that student mentorship programs are most
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effective when the mentor has an established relationship with the student, an understanding of the
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student’s educational, social, and personal background, and professional training in student support
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and development. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that education mentorship services
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provided in public schools are delivered by qualified professionals who possess the training,
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certification, and access necessary to support the academic, social, and emotional success of
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students.
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SECTION 2. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled "EDUCATION" is hereby amended by
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adding thereto the following chapter:
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CHAPTER 117
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EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT
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16-117-1. Short title.
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This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Education Mentorship Program Act".
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16-117-2. Definitions.
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For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
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(1) "Certified support educator" means an individual who holds a valid Rhode Island
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educator certification or license in a student support discipline including, but not limited to:
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(i) School guidance counselor;
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(ii) School social worker;
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(iii) School psychologist; or
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(iv) Any other certified or licensed student support professional as determined by the
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department of education.
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(2) "Education mentor" means an adult assigned or designated by a school district or public
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school to provide ongoing guidance, support, advocacy, and mentorship to a student or group of
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students.
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(3) "Public school" means any local education agency, school district, public charter
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school, or state-operated school.
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16-117-3. Qualifications of education mentors.
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(a) Any education mentor providing mentorship services to students pursuant to this
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chapter shall be a certified support educator.
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(b) The education mentor shall, to the extent practicable:
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(1) Have an existing professional relationship with the student; or
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(2) Be assigned in a manner that allows sufficient time and access to develop a meaningful
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and sustained relationship with the student.
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(c) Education mentors shall have access to relevant student records, support plans, and
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school-based resources, consistent with state and federal law, in order to effectively understand and
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respond to the student's academic, social, emotional, and environmental needs.
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16-117-4. Role and responsibilities of education mentors.
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An education mentor under this chapter may:
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(1) Provide individualized guidance and support aligned with the student's academic and
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personal needs;
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(2) Assist in identifying barriers to student success including, social, emotional, behavioral,
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or environmental factors;
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(3) Coordinate with educators, families, and community-based service providers, as
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appropriate;
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(4) Utilize evidence-based support strategies consistent with the mentor's professional
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training and certification; and
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(5) Advocate for appropriate interventions, accommodations, or services to support student
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well-being and achievement.
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16-117-5. Rules and regulations.
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The department of education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to
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implement the provisions of this chapter including, standards for mentor assignment, caseloads,
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and program oversight.
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SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT
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This act would require that student mentors in public schools be certified support educators,
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ensuring mentors have professional training, established student relationships, and access to skills
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and information needed to support student success.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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