Articles from Rhode Island Education News

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Rhode Island Students Test Scores Inch Up, Still Chase Massachusetts

Rhode Island's 2025 RICAS results show 31.4% of grades 3-8 students proficient in math, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, while English Language Arts proficiency reached 33.7%, still below pre-pandemic rates. Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green emphasized that Rhode Island is narrowing the gap with Massachusetts, which remains ahead with 39% ELA proficiency and 40% math proficiency. The results demonstrate Rhode Island's continuing academic recovery and closing achievement gaps, though chronic absenteeism remains a significant factor, with students who attend regularly scoring 18-24 percentage points higher than chronically absent peers. Source: rhodeislandcurrent.com

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/10/02/rhode-island-students-test-scores-inch…

PPSD Students, Teachers Grapple with Growing AI Usage in Schools

Providence Public School District students and teachers are navigating the increasing use of artificial intelligence tools in educational settings, balancing the benefits of AI assistance with concerns about academic integrity and learning authenticity. The adoption of AI technologies in PPSD classrooms reflects broader national debates about how schools should integrate emerging technologies while ensuring students develop critical thinking skills and genuine understanding. Educators and students are working to establish appropriate boundaries and best practices for AI use in assignments, research, and classroom instruction. Source: browndailyherald.com

https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025/10/ppsd-students-grapple-with-grow…

RIDE Recognizes 3 Rhode Island Blue Ribbon Schools

The Rhode Island Department of Education established a state Blue Ribbon Schools Program and recognized Melville Elementary School in Portsmouth, Pocasset Elementary School in Tiverton, and Robert L. Bailey IV Elementary School in Providence as 2025 awardees. RIDE created the state program after the federal Department of Education abruptly ended the longstanding National Blue Ribbon program in late August. Melville was recognized as an Exemplary High Performing School, while Pocasset and Bailey Elementary were selected as Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, honoring exceptional teaching and student achievement across Rhode Island. Source: abc6.com

https://www.abc6.com/ride-recognizes-3-rhode-island-blue-ribbon-schools/

Providence Elementary School Principal Placed on Leave

A Providence elementary school principal has been placed on administrative leave following an incident that also resulted in the arrest of a staff member. The situation at Lillian Feinstein Elementary School involved police officers and has prompted an investigation by school district officials. The administrative action reflects the district's response to maintain school safety and proper oversight while the matter is being investigated, with interim leadership arrangements put in place to ensure continued school operations. Source: turnto10.com

https://turnto10.com/news/local/providence-elementary-school-principal-leave-sta…

PPSD Students Are Entitled to Free School Lunches. The Rest of RI Is A Different Story.

Providence Public School District students receive universal free school lunches due to the district's high poverty levels qualifying for Community Eligibility Provision, while students in other Rhode Island districts face varying eligibility requirements and costs for school meals. The disparity highlights food security challenges across different districts and the connection between student nutrition and academic performance. The article examines how meal programs affect educational equity and student wellbeing throughout Rhode Island's diverse school districts. Source: browndailyherald.com

https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025/09/ppsd-students-are-entitled-to-f…

This Essential Program for Working-Class Rhode Islanders Has Been Cut

Analysis of federal program cuts affecting working-class Rhode Island families, examining how policy changes impact essential services and support systems. The cuts have broader implications for student and family welfare, potentially affecting educational outcomes as families struggle with reduced access to healthcare, nutrition assistance, and other critical services that support children's ability to succeed in school. The piece connects social safety net reductions to educational challenges facing Rhode Island students. Source: steveahlquist.substack.com

https://steveahlquist.substack.com/p/its-not-just-medicaid-and-medicare

Data Shows More Rhode Island Children Lived in Poverty in 2024

New census data reveals that Rhode Island had the highest child poverty rate in New England in 2024, with 32,549 children living in poverty, a more than 20% increase from the previous year. The child poverty rate rose from 13.4% to 16.3%, making Rhode Island's rate the highest among New England states. The increase coincides with changing federal funding policies affecting Medicaid and SNAP benefits, raising concerns about impacts on student readiness and educational outcomes across the state's schools. Source: rhodeislandcurrent.com

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/09/18/more-rhode-island-children-lived-in-po…

Gov McKee Responds to Fed Lawsuit Against RIDE, Providence Schools

Governor Dan McKee has responded to the federal Department of Justice lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public School District over the "Educators of Color Loan Forgiveness Program." The DOJ alleges the program, which offers up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness to newly hired teachers of color while excluding white teachers, violates federal civil rights law. McKee and state education officials defend the program as necessary to address diversity gaps in teaching staff and improve educational outcomes for students of color. Source: turnto10.com

https://turnto10.com/news/local/gov-mckee-responds-to-federal-lawsuit-against-ed…

District Looks into Teacher's Social Media Activity

The Barrington school district has hired an external investigator to examine a teacher's social media activity following concerns raised about online posts. The investigation reflects growing challenges school districts face regarding educators' digital presence and the intersection of personal expression with professional responsibilities. The case highlights ongoing debates about teacher speech, social media policies, and the boundaries between personal and professional conduct in educational settings. Source: wpri.com

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/district-hires-investigator-to-loo…

Rhode Island's History Teacher of the Year on the Importance of Creating Lifelong Learners

Tina O'Brien, Rhode Island's History Teacher of the Year, discusses her educational philosophy focused on fostering lifelong learning habits in students. The recognition highlights innovative teaching approaches and the importance of engaging students in historical thinking and critical analysis. O'Brien's methods and perspectives offer insights into effective history education and strategies for inspiring student curiosity and continued learning beyond the classroom. Source: ripbs.org

https://www.ripbs.org/education/tina-obrien-rhode-islands-history-teacher-of-the…

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