§ 16-70-2 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 16-70-2

   § 16-70-2  Legislative findings. – It is found and declared as follows:

   (1) Rhode Island must continue to develop the educational andvocational skills of its citizens for its continued economic development,prosperity, and for maintaining and improving its quality of life.

   (2) The future workforce will be requiring ever higher levelsof educational and vocational training in order to maintain the economicprosperity of our state and nation.

   (3) The state's school drop-out rate continues to remain atunacceptable levels, precluding substantial numbers of students from pursuingthe higher levels of education and vocational training required to achievedesirable employment opportunities.

   (4) A comprehensive, long range strategy is essential if thiscritical problem is to be addressed. This plan will need to incorporate theelements of programs which have demonstrated success in dealing with at-riskyouth, including appropriate incentives to encourage and support at-risk youthtoward the goal of graduating from school and pursuing higher levels ofeducation and training.

   (5) This plan will require the involvement and support ofparents, guardians, educators, and the community at large, working closely withat-risk students, and must provide students with a well-organized and directedmentoring program to include intensive orientation and training of thesementors.