Parent Power!

Rhode Island

U.S.
Rank
#42
Overall PPI Score: 60%
← Back to Rhode Island state overview
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 opposed needed bipartisan support. It's an anomaly considering their enormous success in a state that otherwise values education innovation.

Fast Facts:

Law passed: 1995

Most recently amended: 2016

Number of charter schools: 37

Number of charter students: 11,700

Cap on the number of schools allowed: Yes; no more than 35 charter schools total, and at least one-half of the total number of charters must be schools for at-risk students.

Virtual charters allowed: No

Charter Law Analysis:

AUTHORIZERS: The state Board of Education is the only statewide authorizer, but only after approval by a local school board or the state commissioner of education. In 2016, new network charter schools - defined as having more than one school - must provide local written support. Following the required public hearings, the commissioner shall submit the charter application to the state board for consideration.

GROWTH: Only 35 charters in total are permitted, types of charter schools allowed, which is a plus: District Charters are created by public schools, Independent Charters are created non-profit organizations, and Mayoral Academies are created by the mayor of any city or town in Rhode Island. Between 2019 and 2023, the state saw a 20% increase in charter enrollment.

OPERATIONS: There is little flexibility for charter schools but they can apply for waivers if they would like to be exempted from certain regulations. The commissioner of education has ultimate authority to write rules and regulations. Full-time virtual charter schools are not allowed here.

EQUITY: The funding for charter schools here is supposed to consist of state and district revenue based on the same formula as is used for traditional district schools. The law also states that districts should calculate it based on the number of free and reduced lunch students, those with limited English proficiency, and special education. Including local funding directed from districts to charters. Schools apply to the state for reimbursement of up to 30% of facilities costs.


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

Score
50%
Grade: F
Rank: #41

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

Fast Facts:

Law enacted: 2006

Number of programs: 1

Types of programs: Tax-credit scholarship

Choice Laws & Analysis:

Tax-Credit Scholarship
Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Organizations
Rhode Island's tax-credit scholarship program was launched in 2007, and offers corporations that donate to Scholarship Granting Organizations a 75% tax credit for one year, or 90% for two consecutive years. Students are eligible for the program if their household income is below 250% of the poverty level. The program does not have an enrollment cap or a scholarship per-student cap.

Teacher Quality

USE OF STUDENT DATA IN EVALUATING TEACHER PREP

"Educator preparation programs in Rhode Island report data on the performance and effectiveness of program graduates, as measured by student growth data."

This is just one indicator from The National Council on Teacher Quality, which collects and analyzes states on how well their policies and practices lead to well-prepared teachers. They collect data on state laws and regulations concerning the preparation of teachers, the policies that govern their oversight and the contracts that guide their employment. Learn more about your state here.