Articles from Rhode Island Education News

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Kids Need Soft Skills in the Age of AI, but What Does This Mean for Schools?

Educational experts are emphasizing the critical importance of soft skills development as artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce, requiring schools to reconsider curriculum priorities and teaching methods. The analysis examines how schools must balance traditional academic instruction with communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence skills that will remain uniquely human in an AI-driven economy. Rhode Island educators face the challenge of integrating soft skills development into existing curricula while preparing students for jobs that may not yet exist. Source: the74million.org

https://www.the74million.org/article/kids-need-soft-skills-in-the-age-of-ai-but-…

AI Math Tutoring App Clones Teachers' Looks and Voices

A new AI-powered math tutoring application called Goblins can create digital clones of teachers using their appearance and voice, raising questions about the future of personalized education technology and teacher representation in digital learning environments. The app represents the latest development in AI educational tools that aim to provide customized instruction while maintaining familiar teacher-student relationships. The technology raises important considerations about consent, authenticity, and the role of artificial intelligence in classroom instruction that Rhode Island educators and administrators must navigate. Source: the74million.org

https://www.the74million.org/article/new-ai-math-tutoring-app-goblins-clones-you…

At These Rhode Island High Schools, Academic Rigor and Career Technical Education Go Hand-in-Hand

Analysis reveals that Rhode Island students who take at least two Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses perform higher on national assessments and have higher four-year graduation rates compared to peers. The state offers over 300 CTE programs ranging from fish farming and hydroponics to medical diagnosis, available to students regardless of address or income. Rhode Island's approach demonstrates how CTE programs can be rigorously equipped to prepare students for both workforce entry and continued academic success, challenging traditional perceptions about vocational education. Source: the74million.org

https://www.the74million.org/article/at-these-rhode-island-high-schools-academic…

WaterFire Lighting Celebrates Rhode Island Educators

WaterFire Providence hosted a special lighting ceremony on September 27 to celebrate Rhode Island educators, featuring a teachers awards ceremony and torch procession at Memorial Park beginning at 5:00 PM. The event honored approximately 85 Rhode Island District Teachers of the Year, with catering provided by culinary students and chef instructors from career and technical education programs. The celebration included a Luminaria display and was supported by the Rhode Island Department of Education, Cox Business, and other sponsors, demonstrating community appreciation for the state's educational professionals. Source: turnto10.com

https://turnto10.com/news/local/waterfire-lighting-celebrates-rhode-island-educa…

Former Oklahoma Ed Chief's Tenure Offered Microcosm of Administration's Education Overhaul

Analysis of former Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters' tenure provides insights into the Trump administration's broader education policy approach, examining controversial reforms and their implementation at the state level. The examination of Oklahoma's education changes offers Rhode Island educators perspective on national education policy trends and potential federal initiatives that could affect state education systems. Understanding these policy experiments in other states helps Rhode Island education leaders anticipate and prepare for potential shifts in federal education priorities and funding. Source: the74million.org

https://www.the74million.org/article/ryan-walters-oklahoma-tenure-offered-microc…

Former Gov Raimondo Chief of Staff Appointed to Oversee Pension Fund

State Treasurer James Diossa appointed a former chief of staff to Governor Gina Raimondo to oversee Rhode Island's pension fund, a position with significant implications for the state's financial health and retirement security for public employees including teachers and education staff. The pension fund management affects thousands of Rhode Island educators whose retirement benefits depend on the fund's performance and prudent investment strategies. The appointment reflects ongoing efforts to ensure stable funding for public employee pensions while managing the state's fiscal obligations to education and other government workers. Source: golocalprov.com

https://www.golocalprov.com/politics/diossa-appoints-former-raimondo-chief-of-st…

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…

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