200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-10-3.5

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 200-RICR-20-10-3.5 - ACCESS, ADMISSIONS, AND SUPPORT SERVICES

All students in grades K-12 shall have the right to access career awareness and exploration activities as described in §3.2.1 of this Part. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 16-45, all Rhode Island students shall have the right to access RIDE-approved career preparation programs as defined by §3.2.1 of this Part. No student shall be denied access to career and technical education on the basis of color, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, or disability.

3.5.1Access to Career Preparation Programs

A. All students shall have the right to request, from their resident LEA, access to a RIDE-approved career preparation program of their choice. This right of access shall be limited only by the following three conditions:

1. Availability of enrollment seats: In the event that a student requests access to a RIDE- approved career preparation program that is fully enrolled, the resident LEA shall make every effort to identify and enroll the student in another RIDE-approved preparation program of the student's choice.

2. Geographic location: Students are guaranteed access to RIDE-approved career preparation programs. Students requesting access to RIDE-approved career preparation programs outside their established school transportation region may enroll in such programs, but the resident LEA shall not be responsible for the costs of the transportation. Students enrolled in career preparation programs between March 1, 2009 and September 1, 2012 shall maintain the transportation rights set forth under the "Regulations Governing Career and Technical Education in Rhode Island" for the duration of their continuous enrollment in the career preparation program.

3. Fair, equitable, and reasonable admission standards: LEAs operating RIDE-approved career preparation programs are authorized to set reasonable, fair, equitable, and program- appropriate admission standards in accordance with §3.5.3 of this Part.

B. Any student denied access to a career preparation program shall reserve the right of appeal through the policies and procedures managed by the LEA responsible for the denial of access.

3.5.2Recruitment

A. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 16-45, all LEAs shall be responsible for issuing clear, accessible, accurate and timely communication to families and students informing them of all RIDE-approved CTE programs and of students' rights to access career and technical education. RIDE shall maintain and annually publish the list of RIDE-approved career preparation programs.

B. Representatives of RIDE-approved career preparation programs shall have access to students in all secondary schools. Recruitment access may include, but is not limited to, physical and electronic mailing lists, assemblies and other presentation opportunities, and field trips and site visits.

3.5.3Admissions

A. LEAs operating RIDE-approved career preparation programs shall have the right to develop and employ appropriate program-specific admission criteria. All admission criteria shall comply with all relevant state and federal civil rights laws and regulations. Admissions criteria shall:

1. Be clearly derived from the academic and instructional demands of the career preparation program;

2. Represent the minimum levels of student readiness so as to reasonably ensure student success in the career preparation program;

3. Adhere to all relevant RIDE-developed admission standards; and

4. Not result in discriminatory admissions decisions.

B. LEAs that employ program-specific admission criteria shall develop and implement an admissions policy that is formally adopted and made publicly available. The policy shall include no less than:

1. the admissions criteria used in the selection process;

2. the application process and continuing enrollment conditions; and

3. a review and appeal process for any student denied admission to a career preparation program.

C. To fill available seats, career preparation programs shall use a lottery process that fairly and equitably selects students from the entire pool of applicants meeting the minimum admissions standards. When applicable, LEAs shall retain the right to prioritize program enrollment for resident students.

D. Students denied access to a program based on the admissions process or admissions criteria shall reserve the right of appeal and the right to apply for another RIDE-approved career preparation program of their choice.

3.5.4Continued Student Enrollment in Career Preparation Programs

A. LEAs operating RIDE-approved preparation programs are granted the authority to establish enrollment conditions that may include a code of conduct that applies both to school and on-site work placements, attendance, and other criteria that adhere to applicable statutes and regulations. Such enrollment criteria shall not unfairly target students on the basis of color, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, national origin, disability, or district of residence. The adopted enrollment policy shall be published in the student handbook and a copy provided to each student and family upon enrollment in the career preparation program.

B. All career preparation program policies shall include a review and appeals process for students denied access to a preparation program due to admissions criteria or whose enrollment has been suspended and/or terminated.

200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-10-3.5