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SB 3318

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CURRICULUM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lou DiPalma and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will identify and require schools to implement state-aligned, high-quality math, ELA, and science curricula, with waivers and ongoing updates.

05/22/2026 Introduced, referred to Senate Education
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Bill Summary · SB 3318

Summary of SB 3318 (2026) – Rhode Island

Purpose and overall intent

  • Establish a state-led process to identify and promote high-quality curricula and materials in mathematics, English language arts (ELA), and science and technology.
  • Require local education agencies (LEAs) to select and implement one of the identified high-quality curricula, with timelines and supports to ensure alignment with state standards, frameworks, and assessments.
  • Promote culturally responsive practices and provide a pathway for waivers if an LEA seeks an alternative curricula, subject to review and potential appeal.

Key provisions and changes

  • Identification of high-quality curricula (a)(1)-(2):

    • The Council on Elementary and Secondary Education (the “council”) directs the commissioner to review and identify curricula and materials that are:
    • Aligned with state standards ( §16-22-30 )
    • Aligned with state curriculum frameworks ( §16-22-31 )
    • Aligned with the statewide assessment (RICAS or successor)
    • Of high quality
    • At least five (5) examples for mathematics and ELA must be identified by January 1, 2021; at least five (5) for science and technology by January 31, 2026, with ongoing updates as per council procedures.

  • LEA selection and implementation (a)(3):

    • LEAs must select one identified high-quality curriculum for each subject and implement it:
    • Mathematics and ELA: no later than June 30, 2023
    • Science and technology: no later than June 30, 2026 (note: 2027 date appears in the explanatory text; the main section specifies 2026)
    • Selections must be responsive to local cultural and linguistic needs and support culturally responsive practices.
    • Implementation begins at the start of the school year following selection. Extensions may be granted for financial hardship if progress continues.

  • Waiver process for non-identified curricula (a)(4)-(5):

    • LEAs may request waivers to use curricula not identified by the commissioner.
    • Waiver considerations may include local goals, rationale for selection, and a third-party curriculum audit to assess alignment with standards, scope/sequence, quality, and cultural relevance.
    • Waiver determinations are appealable to the Rhode Island Board of Education.

  • Flexibility based on LEA performance (a)(6):

    • LEAs with at least 75% of students meeting expectations on state assessments and no targeted subgroups requiring assistance may use non-identified curricula for the relevant subject area.
    • If performance drops below 75% or targeted subgroups are identified, the LEA must adopt one of the commissioner-identified curricula.

  • Implementation planning and professional development (a)(7):

    • LEAs must develop and implement curriculum implementation plans, including professional development for teachers and administrators.

  • Ongoing updates and review cycle (a)(8):

    • The council will establish procedures to update curricula identifications by September 1, 2021.
    • Regular reviews to maintain high quality, with a review cycle starting in 2025 and every four years thereafter (2029, 2033, etc.).

  • Reporting (b):

    • By December 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, the commissioner must report to the governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House on progress, including identified, selected, and implemented curricula.

  • Professional development fund (c):

    • The state will establish a professional development fund to support LEAs that choose to use the prioritized curricula in mathematics and ELA.

  • Definition of LEAs (d):

    • LEAs include public school districts, regional districts, state-operated schools, regional collaborative schools, and charter schools.

  • Effective date (SECTION 2):

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • State level:

    • Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
    • Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
    • Rhode Island Department of Education (implementation and reporting)

  • Local level:

    • All LEAs in Rhode Island (public school districts, regional districts, state-operated schools, regional collaboratives, and charter schools)
    • School leaders, curriculum coordinators, and teachers who will implement identified curricula
    • Professional development providers funded by the state

Timeline highlights

  • Identification of math and ELA curricula: due by January 1, 2021
  • Identification of science and technology curricula: due by January 31, 2026
  • LEA adoption deadline for math and ELA: no later than June 30, 2023
  • LEA adoption deadline for science and technology: no later than June 30, 2026 (bio note: explanatory text mentions 2027)
  • Implementation to begin in the school year following adoption
  • Waiver process and potential third-party reviews available for non-identified curricula
  • Review cycle for curriculum identifications begins in 2025, then 2029, 2033, and every four years thereafter
  • Annual reporting on progress to state leadership starting December 1, 2020, onward
  • Professional development funding established to support adoption

Notable considerations

  • Emphasis on alignment with state standards, frameworks, and assessments to ensure coherence.
  • Strong focus on culturally responsive practices in selection and implementation.
  • Mechanism to allow waivers with independent review, balancing state guidance with local autonomy.
  • Financial hardship provisions to assist districts in implementation delays.
  • Regular update and accountability framework to keep curricula current.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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