§ 16-67.2-5. Research commission. (a) No later than January 1, 2020, the general assembly shall form a joint study research commission (the "commission") consisting of nine (9) members to be appointed as follows: one with expertise in educating students with learning disabilities to be appointed by the speaker of the house; one with expertise in educating students with learning disabilities to be appointed by the president of the senate; one with expertise in educating students with learning disabilities to be appointed by the governor; one member of the house of representatives, who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house; one member of the senate, who shall be appointed by the president of the senate; three (3) teachers with expertise in dyslexia to be appointed jointly by the speaker of the house and the president of the senate; and one parent of a student with dyslexia, who shall be appointed by the speaker of the house.

(b) The purpose of the commission shall be to study the possibility and feasibility of establishing two (2) schools, to be located on the university of Rhode Island and Rhode Island college campuses, that would be dedicated to the instruction of dyslexic children and the development of instructional techniques and professional development programs used to improve the instruction and identification of dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

(c) The commission shall be funded by the general assembly, and shall visit no fewer than four (4) schools dedicated to the education of dyslexic children, provided that if a school selected for visitation is greater than forty (40) miles away from the state of Rhode Island's capitol building, the visit may be conducted virtually.

(d) The commission shall render a report to the governor and to the general assembly prior to the commencement of the 2021 legislative session on the ways in which the department can enforce realistic goals pertaining to the increased availability of quality instruction for:

(1) Students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities; and

(2) Instructors, administrators, and special educators regarding dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

History of Section. (P.L. 2019, ch. 112, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 155, § 2.)