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H7527 2026 -- H 7527 ======== LC004826 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ 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: 1 SECTION 1. Findings. 2 The general assembly finds and declares that student mentorship programs are most 3 effective when the mentor has an established relationship with the student, an understanding of the 4 student’s educational, social, and personal background, and professional training in student support 5 and development. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that education mentorship services 6 provided in public schools are delivered by qualified professionals who possess the training, 7 certification, and access necessary to support the academic, social, and emotional success of 8 students. 9 SECTION 2. Title 16 of the General Laws entitled EDUCATION is hereby amended by 10 adding thereto the following chapter: 11 CHAPTER 117 12 EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT 13 16-117-1. Short title. 14 This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Education Mentorship Program Act . 15 16-117-2. Definitions. 16 For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings: 17 (1) Certified support educator means an individual who holds a valid Rhode Island 18 educator certification or license in a student support discipline including, but not limited to: 19 (i) School guidance counselor; 1 (ii) School social worker; 2 (iii) School psychologist; or 3 (iv) Any other certified or licensed student support professional as determined by the 4 department of education. 5 (2) Education mentor means an adult assigned or designated by a school district or public 6 school to provide ongoing guidance, support, advocacy, and mentorship to a student or group of 7 students. 8 (3) Public school means any local education agency, school district, public charter 9 school, or state-operated school. 10 16-117-3. Qualifications of education mentors. 11 (a) Any education mentor providing mentorship services to students pursuant to this 12 chapter shall be a certified support educator. 13 (b) The education mentor shall, to the extent practicable: 14 (1) Have an existing professional relationship with the student; or 15 (2) Be assigned in a manner that allows sufficient time and access to develop a meaningful 16 and sustained relationship with the student. 17 (c) Education mentors shall have access to relevant student records, support plans, and 18 school-based resources, consistent with state and federal law, in order to effectively understand and 19 respond to the student s academic, social, emotional, and environmental needs. 20 16-117-4. Role and responsibilities of education mentors. 21 An education mentor under this chapter may: 22 (1) Provide individualized guidance and support aligned with the student s academic and 23 personal needs; 24 (2) Assist in identifying barriers to student success including, social, emotional, behavioral, 25 or environmental factors; 26 (3) Coordinate with educators, families, and community-based service providers, as 27 appropriate; 28 (4) Utilize evidence-based support strategies consistent with the mentor s professional 29 training and certification; and 30 (5) Advocate for appropriate interventions, accommodations, or services to support student 31 well-being and achievement. 32 16-117-5. Rules and regulations. 33 The department of education shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to 34 implement the provisions of this chapter including, standards for mentor assignment, caseloads, LC004826 - Page 2 of 4 1 and program oversight. 2 SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage. ======== LC004826 ======== LC004826 - Page 3 of 4 EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF A N A C T RELATING TO EDUCATION -- EDUCATION MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT *** 1 This act would require that student mentors in public schools be certified support educators, 2 ensuring mentors have professional training, established student relationships, and access to skills 3 and information needed to support student success. 4 This act would take effect upon passage. ======== LC004826 ======== LC004826 - Page 4 of 4
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