Rhode Island


U.S.
Rank
#42
Overall PPI Score: 60%

Dropping 10 spots in the rankings, the only aspect of parent power that saved Rhode Island from falling any further was its commitment to programs that transform the education process for students, including some districts that measure students based on competency not subject grades. Without that, the Ocean State would hit rock bottom.

Opportunity

Innovation

Policy Environment

Charter Schools

Score
62%
Grade: D
Rank: #41

A law that has reached its cap on the number of charter schools that can open, and limits their operational flexibility and funding, Ocean State charters are confined and remain predominantly an urban phenomenon, mainly because unions and districts have...

Transformational Learning

Score
82%
Grade: B
Rank: #22

Rhode Island supports dual enrollment programs for students to earn college credit in high school and CTE programs are offered in most public high schools to provide career-focused learning opportunities. State law allows Innovation Schools/Zones, and schools...

Leadership

Dan McKee, once celebrated as the father of mayoral charter schools, has not upheld his reputation in his current role. Instead, his education initiatives have been limited to increasing options in the traditional settings. The Governor may need to start...

Choice Programs (Scholarships, Vouchers, Tax Credits, etc.)

Score
50%
Grade: F
Rank: #43

A very modest tax credit for scholarship programs is capped artificially low, resulting in the ability of fewer than 400 students to participate.

DID YOU KNOW?

Thanks to bold state efforts, one in five students now have access to expansive opportunities for a myriad of learning approaches across public and private sectors, with more than 20 million eligible — a 60% increase in just two years!

Transparency

School report cards are easily accessible under the “Information & Accountability → RI Education Data” section, located right on Rhode Island's Department of Education homepage. Report cards can also be accessed by navigating directly to the state’s data...

Teacher Quality

One of many data points to assess whether a state has the right policies in place to ensure teacher quality is the "use of student achievement data in teacher preparation accountability." How empty or full the fuel tank above is will give you the answer for your state.

Fast Facts:

4th Grade Math Proficiency: 33%
8th Grade Math Proficiency: 24%
4th Grade Reading Proficiency: 33%
8th Grade Reading Proficiency: 31%
Average SAT Score: 958 / 1600
Average ACT Score: 24.5 / 36
Graduation Rate: 83.4%

Constitutional Issues

Rhode Island does not have a Blaine Amendment. "Rhode Island courts adhere to federal Establishment Clause precedent when interpreting the state's Compelled Support Clause." (Institute for Justice)