Section 214-RICR-60-00-1.9 - Education ProgramA. The RITS must provide residents educational programming approved by the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that conforms to all state and federal laws. The RITS submits a detailed comprehensive education plan to RIDE for approval in compliance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-72.6-2. 1. The General Education Development Program (GED) provides residents with the opportunity to obtain an alternative diploma in conformance with state and federal law.a. Eligible residents are assessed for enrollment in the GED program. The assessment determines the resident's desire and ability to obtain a GED.b. Residents meet the criteria established in the "Regulations of the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Governing the Rhode Island High School Equivalency Program" to participate in GED programming and to receive a passing score.c. The GED program is provided at no cost to residents.2. Post-Secondary programming encourages residents to begin and/or complete degrees or certifications in a variety of fields related to career and technical educational areas (including the opportunity to participate in RITS on-site vocational programming) and improves residents' access to scholarships, fellowships, funding, stipends and other incentives during transition to the community and/or may provide an opportunity for an on-grounds paid job.3. Special Education and Section 504a. In conformance with the federal law, the Alternative Education Program at the RITS ensures that students determined eligible for Special Education and/or Section 504 R ehabilitation Act Services are provided the supports and services to which they are entitled in accordance with law.b. To classify a resident as learning disabled for Special Education purposes, the Education Program:(1) Does not require a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement.(2) Utilizes a resident's response to scientific, research-based intervention process, as required by the RI Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.c. If a resident's response to intervention suggests he/she may be eligible for Special Education Services, necessary evaluations are conducted:(1) Evaluations begin within ten school days of receipt of parental consent.(2) Evaluations are completed within sixty calendar days of parental consent.(3) An eligibility determination meeting is held.(4) A written report of the evaluation team is made available to the resident's home/ community school district and parents, as well as the IEP team, if it is determined that the resident is eligible for special education services.214 R.I. Code R. 214-RICR-60-00-1.9