Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

9/14/2011 - - About 59% (6,192) of the seniors in Rhode Island public high schools took SAT exams last year, an increase of about 7% from 2010. The SAT scores....

Upcoming Public Hearings

9/12/2011 - - Certification regulations for public hearings September 13th, 21st and 22nd.

Income-Eligibility Guidelines for Free, Reduced-Price Meals, Milk Announced

8/30/2011 - -

Child-Care and Adult-Care Food Program Applications Available

8/26/2011 - -

RIDE awards $1.4 million to four charter public schools

8/25/2011 - -

Rhode Islanders celebrate first anniversary of Race to the Top

8/24/2011 - -

Recruitment under way for the 2011-12 Prekindergarten Program

8/3/2011 - -

Programa de Actividades de Aprendizaje del Verano en Rhode Island

6/29/2011 - -

Commissioner Gist, students visit summer-learning sites

6/28/2011 - -

Summer-learning activities, programs in Rhode Island: A List

6/28/2011 - -

Commissioner Gist calls for shared responsibility in annual Education Address

6/1/2011 - -

Commissioner Gist's State of Education Address - 2011

6/1/2011 - -

RIDE requesting Letters of Interest from qualified vendors to operate Rhode Island Pre-Kindergarten Program classroom(s).

5/23/2011 - -

2011 School-Performance Classifications Released

5/6/2011 - -

Race to the Top Plan Gets Green Light from U.S. Department of Education

4/11/2011 - -

Commissioner Gist Approves Providence School-Reform Plans, Identifies 5 schools of 2011 Intervention

3/29/2011 - -

New Financial System Provides Unprecedented Data on School Spending

3/25/2011 - -

Rhode Islanders: Share Your Views on Our Schools

3/1/2011 - - SurveyWorks! 2011 to open for all parents, teachers, administrators SurveyWorks 2010 student survey results posted on InfoWorks Live!

2010 NECAP Results: High-School Students Making Progress

2/9/2011 - -

Science Report Card: Large Achievement Gaps Persist in Rhode Island

1/25/2011 - -

Notice of Public Hearings

1/10/2011 - Providence, RI - Commissioner Regulations for K-12 Literacy, Restructuring of the Learning Environment at the Middle and High School Levels, and Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) at High Schools

R.I. to Award Diplomas that Honor Significant Student Achievement

1/6/2011 - -

Newport Kindergarten Teacher Receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award

11/9/2010 - -

RIDE Holds Anti-Bullying Forum Focused on Issues of Sexual Orientation

11/8/2010 - -

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) Youth Anti-Bullying Forum

10/27/2010 - Providence, RI - RIDE Hosts an anti-bullying forum with an emphasis on issues of bullying around sexual orientation - Online registration form.

Science Scores Improve in All Tested Grades, Achievement Gaps Persist

9/28/2010 - -

R.I. SAT participation increases; scores change only slightly

9/13/2010 - -

Child-Care and Adult Care Food Program Applications Available

9/2/2010 - -

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, Milk Announced

9/1/2010 - -

RI Race to the Top Team Heads to Washington

8/6/2010 - -

Rhode Island named one 19 finalists for Race to the Top Round 2

7/27/2010 - Providence, RI - Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced today (July 27) that Rhode Island is one of 19 finalists for Race to the Top Round 2 funding, which could bring $75 million to the state to improve public schools and to support educators and students.

RI to Receive $12.5 Million to Transform Lowest-Achieving Schools

7/22/2010 - -

RIDE Awards $9 Million in Adult Education Grants to 35 Agencies

7/13/2010 - -

Commissioner Gist, Students Visit Summer Learning Sites

6/30/2010 - - Highlight Summer Learning Opportunities Available in Rhode Island

School Classifications: 79 percent of Schools Met All Annual Targets

6/29/2010 - - 20 Schools Honored as 2010 Regents’ Commended Schools

Governor, Educators Welcome Release of Common Core State Standards

6/2/2010 - - Education Department to Review R.I. Standards, Align Standards with Common Core

Rhode Islanders Unite in Support of Race to the Top

5/24/2010 - - 34 school districts, all charters and state schools, 11 teachers’ unions sign the application

Commissioner Gist Schedules Public Meetings, Forums on Race to the Top

4/12/2010 - - Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist will hold a series of public meetings and forums over the next five weeks to solicit feedback and build support for the Rhode Island application for Race to the Top Round 2.

Commissioner Gist Addresses General Assembly

4/7/2010 - - Commissioner: "Make Our Schools the Best in the Country!"

Commissioner Gist Approves Unique Management-Labor Compact

4/1/2010 - - Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist has approved the proposal from Schools Superintendent Thomas M. Brady to close and restart four Providence schools under a joint management-labor compact.

The Nation’s Report Card: Improvement in R.I. Reading Scores

3/24/2010 - - The results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2009 reading tests, released today (March 24, 2010), show that Rhode Island public-school students have improved in both the 4th grade and the 8th grade.

Commissioner Gist Releases Proposed Funding Formula for Education Aid

2/26/2010 - - Formula Would Distribute Aid Based on District Capacity, Student Need

Commissioner Gist Approves Central Falls Turnaround Model

2/23/2010 - - Central Falls community has 120 days to develop plan to improve high school

2009 NECAP Tests: Mixed Results Demonstrate Need to Accelerate State Reforms and Progress

2/3/2010 - Providence, RI - Results of the fall 2009 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) tests in reading, mathematics, and writing released today (February 3rd ) show a slight but not significant increase in reading and mathematics scores in elementary and middle schools.

Rhode Island State Board Member Chosen to Chair National Panel That Makes Policy Recommendations on Federal Education Legislation

1/26/2010 - Alexandria, VA - Patrick A. Guida, Esq., of Barrington, R.I. chosen to chair the NASBE Governmental Affairs Committee.

Race to the Top Proposal Could Support Teachers, Transform Schools

1/22/2010 - Providence, RI - Commissioner Gist Posts $126.6-million Grant Application on RIDE Web Site.

School Districts Overwhelmingly Support Race to the Top Proposal

1/19/2010 - Providence, RI - Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist today (January 14th ) thanked the school superintendents and school committees across the state for their overwhelming support for the Race to the Top proposal.

Rhode Island Submits Race to the Top Proposal to the U.S. Department of Education

1/19/2010 - Providence, RI - State Seeks $125 million to Help Transform Education

Commissioner Calls for Community Engagement to Turn Around Schools

1/11/2010 - - Education Department Announces Steps to Improve Schools in Central Falls, Providence

Public Invited to Read RI’s Race to the Top Application

1/8/2010 - - Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist has invited the public to review the Rhode Island application for federal Race to the Top competitive funds and to offer feedback before the submission deadline.

Regents-Approved Strategic Plan January 7, 2010

1/7/2010 - - The Board of Regents approved the Strategic Plan at its January 7, 2010 meeting.

THE RHODE ISLAND AGENDA FOR TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

12/23/2009 - - An overview of how Race to the Top funding will accelerate progress

Board of Regents Approved Code of Professional Responsibility

12/15/2009 - - The Rhode Island Code of Professional Responsibility is a set of commitments which the Rhode Island educational community expects all members to honor and practice.

Board of Regents Approved Educator Evaluation Standards

12/15/2009 - - The Rhode Island Department of Education has reviewed recommendations from the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, which was launched with a focus on identifying strategies, policies, and practices to “attract, deploy, develop, incentivize, and retain top teaching, leadership and management talent,” and from the Rhode Island Urban Education Task Force, which has recommended the development and implementation of a statewide educator performance management system to improve educator quality.

Middletown High Spanish Teacher Named 2010 R.I. Teacher of the Year

12/9/2009 - - In a surprise ceremony today (December 9, 2009) at Middletown High School, Governor Donald L. Carcieri and Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist named Dana E. Ramey, a Spanish teacher at the school for the past 13 years, as the 2010 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

All R.I. Teachers to be Evaluated at Least Annually

12/7/2009 - - All Rhode Island teachers will be evaluated at least once a year, following the historic vote by the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education.

RIDE Releases Draft Strategic Plan

11/23/2009 - - Commissioner Gist Releases Education Strategic Plan

Commissioner Gist Lauds Chariho Union, School Committee on Contract

11/19/2009 - - For complete new release, please click here.

Mt. Hope High School Assistant Principal Receives $25,000 Milken Award

11/17/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Race To The Top

11/4/2009 - - Information regarding federal Race to the Top funds, community forums about our strategic agenda and more.

Race to the Top Community Forums

10/30/2009 - - A letter of invitation to all Rhode Islanders

Commissioner Gist Ends Seniority-Based Teacher Assignments

10/23/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Education Department Awards Interest-Free School-Construction Bonds

10/21/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Three Foundations Support RIDE Race to the Top Grant Application

10/20/2009 - - For comlete news release, please click here.

The Nation’s Report Card: Improvement in R.I. Mathematics Scores Significant “achievement gaps” separate student groups

10/14/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Education Department Distributes $75 million in Federal Stimulus Funds

10/8/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Regents to Hold October Board Meeting in Newport

9/29/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Governor Carcieri, Education Commissioner Gist, and Regents’ Chair Flanders Release NECAP Science Results

9/23/2009 - - For the complete news release, please click here.

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, Milk Announced

9/15/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Child-Care and Adult Care Food Program Applications Available

9/10/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Commissioner's Five Priorities

9/8/2009 - - The Commissioner’s five priorities have been posted to the Presentations, Publications, and Speeches area.

School is Open...A Message From the Commissioner

9/3/2009 - - Video - Young Voices with Deborah A. Gist

Regents to Hold September Board Meeting in Central Falls

9/1/2009 - - For complete news release, click here.

Commissioner Gist to Visit Central Falls, Warwick for First Day of School

8/31/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Application Deadline Extended to September 1st

8/28/2009 - - For complete Public Service Announcement, click here.

2009 SAT Scores Remain 5th in New England

8/26/2009 - - For complete release, please click here.

Board of Regents Proposed Regulations

8/20/2009 - - Proposed regulations regarding RI Educator Evaluation Standards and RI Code of Professional Responsibility

Fall Flu Information

8/13/2009 - - Updated CDC Guidance for Schools for the Fall Flu Season

PreK Demonstration Project

8/5/2009 - - PreK Demonstration Project Applications now available

Regents to Hold Board Meetings in Community Settings

8/4/2009 - - To read complete news release, please click here

RIDE Selects Seven Programs as Sites for Prekindergarten Project

7/29/2009 - - For the complete news release, please click here.

Commissioner Appoints New Education Department Finance Director

7/27/2009 - - For complete news release, please click here.

Deborah Gist Takes Office as Education Commissioner

7/1/2009 - - For complete news release, click here.

Statement from Board of Regents Chairman Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Esq., on Funding Charter Schools

6/23/2009 - - To see complete news release, click here.

Education Department Announces Winners of High-School Video Contest

6/10/2009 - - For complete release, click here.

School Classifications: 81% of Schools Met All Annual Targets

5/27/2009 - - For complete news release, click here.

Rhode Island Educators to be Honored in State House Awards Ceremony

5/18/2009 - - For complete News Advisory, click here.

Regents Schedule Hearings on Revised Basic Education Program

5/4/2009 - - For complete news release, click here.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu and Schools: The latest information and guidance from the Department of Health about H1N1 Flu and schools

4/27/2009 - - For information regarding Swine Flu please visit the RI Department of Health website at http://www.health.ri.gov/pandemicflu/swineflu/swineflu.php

Education Department Opens Web Page for Information on Stimulus Funds

4/16/2009 - - For complete news release, click here.

Education Department to Hold Hearings on Charter-School Proposals

4/7/2009 - - The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) has scheduled public hearings for three charter-school proposals that are under consideration for presentation to the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education for approval.

Education Department Awards $3.2 Million in Grants for Community Learning Centers

4/6/2009 - - The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) has awarded $3.2 million in grants to establish or expand school-linked after-school and summer programs, as part of the federally funded 21st-Century Community Learning Centers Initiative.

Regents Appoint Deborah A. Gist as Education Commissioner

4/3/2009 - - PROVIDENCE – The Board of Regents voted today (April 2, 2009) to appoint Deborah A. Gist, the State Superintendent of Education for the District of Columbia, to serve as the next R.I. Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

2008 Graduation Rates

3/20/2009 - - The statewide four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2008 was 74%, an improvement of 3.5 percentage points over the 2007 rate, according to information released today (March 20, 2009 ) by Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

Test Scores Improve in All Grades, All Tests for Third Straight Year

1/22/2009 - - For the third straight year, statewide test scores in mathematics, reading, and writing improved at all grade levels, according to test results released this morning (Jan. 22nd, 2009) by Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

Information Works! 2009 Reports Available On Line at RIDE-URI Web Site

1/5/2009 - - The first reports in Information Works! 2009 have been posted on the Information Works! Web site, www.infoworks.ride.uri.edu

Major Grant Supports New Four-State Partnership on High-School Reform

12/15/2008 - - Rhode Island and three other New England states announced today (December 15th, 2008) a groundbreaking regional partnership aimed at transforming high school for the 21st century.

Maine Joins R.I., N.H., and Vermont in NECAP Testing Partnership

12/11/2008 - - Maine has joined Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Vermont as the fourth member of the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP), the first and only multistate testing partnership formed in response to the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

Newport Middle-School Science Teacher Named 2009 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year

12/3/2008 - - In a surprise ceremony at the school, Governor Donald L. Carcieri today (December 3, 2008) announced that Barbara Walton-Faria, a science teacher at the Frank E. Thompson Middle School, in Newport, has been selected as the 2009 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

Three High-School Teachers Receive First Passport to the Arts Awards

11/26/2008 - - Teachers from Exeter-West Greenwich Regional High School and Hope Arts School, in Providence, are the recipients of the first Passport to the Arts Awards.

Education Department Seeks Entries in “High School Video Contest”

11/7/2008 - - All seniors in public high schools in Rhode Island are invited to test their creative skills by submitting ideas for a television public-service announcement (PSA) focused on a community or social issue important to teens.

Barrington 5th-Grade Teacher Wins $25,000 Milken Educator Award

10/27/2008 - - BARRINGTON – A 5th-Grade teacher at the Hampden Meadows School, Jennifer Theroux, was named today (October 27, 2008) as the Rhode Island recipient of a $25,000 Milken Family Foundation 2008 Milken Educator Award.

Regents’ Commissioner Search Committee to Hold Series of Public Forums

10/6/2008 - - The Board of Regents’ Commissioner Search Committee has scheduled six public forums in order to hear from members of the public regarding the selection of the next Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-Price Meals, Milk Announced

9/29/2008 - - Effective from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) has announced the Income Eligibility Guidelines for free or reduced-price meals or free milk for the 2008-09 school year

Child and Adult Care Food Program Applications Available from RIDE

9/26/2008 - - Applications for participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program for the current school year are available from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE), Office of Finance.

Governor Carcieri Releases Results of First Statewide Science Tests

9/23/2008 - - PROVIDENCE – Governor Donald L. Carcieri today (September 23, 2008) released the results of the first statewide science tests, which were administered last May to all students in grades 4, 8, and 11.

Board of Regents Amends 2003 High-School Regulations

9/4/2008 - - PROVIDENCE – The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education voted tonight (September 3, 2008) to amend the High School Regulations of 2003 so as to clarify the process districts must go through to implement the regulations and to bolster supports for students.

College Board Releases 2008 Rhode Island SAT, AP, and PSAT Results

8/26/2008 - - The College Board today (August 26th, 2008) released the 2008 test scores and participation rates of Rhode Island students on the SAT, AP (advanced placement), and PSAT exams.

SAT Scores of RI Public High School Seniors by School

8/26/2008 - - SAT Scores of RI Public High School Seniors by School

School Classifications: Nearly 3 of 4 Schools Met All Annual Targets

8/19/2008 - - Nearly three of four schools (223 schools, 73%) met all of the 2007-08 targets set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), according to the annual school-performance classifications released today (Aug. 19, 2008) by Gov. Donald L. Carcieri.

Regents' Chairman Appoints Committee for Commissioner Search

7/31/2008 - - The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education has appointed a 12-member Search Committee to advise the full Board and to select final candidates for the position of Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Regents’ Chairman Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Esq., has announced.

Rhode Island Graduation Rates – The Cohort Formula

7/31/2008 - - How does the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Administration (RIDE) calculate the 4-year graduation rate using the new (Class of 2007) cohort formula?

Complete Information Works! 2008 Reports Available Online

6/26/2008 - - The complete set of Information Works! 2008 school, district, and state reports has been posted on the Information Works! Web site, www.infoworks.ride.uri.edu

Education Commissioner Revises Hope High School Corrective Action Order of 2005

6/12/2008 - - PROVIDENCE – Education Commissioner Peter McWalters has issued a revised Order of Reconstitution and Corrective Action and rescinded the Corrective Action Plan that he issued for Hope High School in February 2005.

High-School Graduation Rates - 2007 - Old formula and New Formula compared

6/9/2008 - - High-School Graduation Rates - 2007 - Old Formula and New Formula Compared

Newly Calculated Graduation Rates for 2007

6/4/2008 - - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters today released the newly calculated graduation rate for the Class of 2007, which employs a calculation formula endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Governors Association

Questions and Answers regarding the new Graduation Rate Formula

6/4/2008 - - How does the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Administration (RIDE) calculate the 4-year graduation rate using the new (Class of 2007) cohort formula?

Board of Regents to Extend Commissioner McWalters’s Contract through June 2009

4/10/2008 - - The Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education will formally vote on April 23rd to extend the contract of Peter McWalters, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, through June of 2009, Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Esq., Chairman of the Board, announced today (April 10, 2008).

Rhode Island Writing Scores Improve on Nation’s Report Card, Surpass National Average

4/3/2008 - - About one of three Rhode Island students attained proficiency on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2007 Grade 8 writing test, according to results released today (April 3) by the National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education.

Governor Carcieri Releases 2007-08 NECAP High-School Test Results

2/27/2008 - - PROVIDENCE – Governor Donald L. Carcieri today (Feb. 27, 2008) released the results of the 2007-08 New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) tests of high-school students in mathematics, reading, and writing.

Patrick Guida Chosen to Serve on National Panel to Focus on No Child Left Behind Act Reforms

2/18/2008 - - The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to announce that Patrick Guida, a member of the Rhode Island State Board of Education, has been chosen to serve on the NASBE Governmental Affairs Committee (GAC).

Governor Carcieri Releases Rhode Island Test Scores

2/4/2008 - - For the second straight year, state test scores for elementary-school and middle-school students improved on a statewide level, according to test results released this morning (Feb. 4th, 2008) by Governor Donald L. Carcieri.

Commissioner’s Status Conference on Hope High School on 2/12/2008

2/1/2008 - - Click Here

Commissioner approves New Diploma System for 30 schools and school districts.

1/31/2008 - - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters has granted preliminary approval to the new Diploma Systems in 30 schools and school districts, indicating that they have made sufficient progress in implementing the Board of Regents’ High School Regulations of 2003.

Update on Central Falls Tuberculosis Exposure

1/7/2008 - - For questions or concerns about the recent case of tuberculosis in Central Falls Senior High School, please see the Department of Health website, www.health.ri.gov, which has information for parents and health providers on their homepage. Parents and school personnel may also call the Family Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.

Education Department Releases High-School, District Classifications

1/3/2008 - - The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) released today (January 3, 2008) the 2007 high-school and school-district classifications, based on tests administered during the 2006-07 school year.

Scituate High School Chemistry Teacher Named 2008 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year

12/3/2007 - - In a surprise ceremony at the school, Governor Donald L. Carcieri today (December 3, 2007) announced that George Edwin Goodfellow, a chemistry teacher at Scituate High School, has been selected as the 2008 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

Governor to Present $25,000 Milken Educator Award in Surprise Ceremony - 10/15/2007

10/15/2007 - - Governor Donald L. Carcieri will present a Milken Family Foundation 2007 National Educator Award to a North Providence High School teacher on Monday (October 15, 2007), at the high school.

High-School Test Results 2007: Scores Remain Steady in English, Mathematics

9/26/2007 - - The 2007 High-School test scores in English language arts and mathematics were virtually unchanged from previous years, according to results released today (September 26th) by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE).

NAEP Results 2007: Rhode Island Students Improve in Mathematics and in 4th-Grade Reading

9/25/2007 - - The results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2007 tests, released today (September 25th, 2007), show that Rhode Island public-school students have improved in mathematics in both 4th grade and 8th grade and have improved in 4th-grade reading.

College Board Releases 2007 Rhode Island SAT, AP, and PSAT Results

8/28/2007 - - The College Board today (August 28th, 2007) released the 2007 test scores and participation rates of Rhode Island students on the SAT and AP (advanced placement) exams. - 2007 SAT Scores By School

Governor Carcieri Announces 85 Percent of Rhode Island Elementary and Middle Schools Are Meeting Their Targets

5/30/2007 - - PROVIDENCE - Results from the latest round of school-performance classifications show that 68 percent of the elementary and middle schools in the state (171 schools) are high performing, up from 62 percent last year.

GOVERNOR CARCIERI ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF JAMES A. DIPRETE

4/27/2007 - - Governor Donald L. Carcieri today announced that James A. DiPrete, a member of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education since 1997 and its chairman since 1999, will retire by the end of June. DiPrete informed Governor Carcieri last week of his intention to retire.

RI PBS and RIDE Pilot Project Expands Access to GED Adult Education

4/24/2007 - - PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND (April 24, 2007) – The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) and Rhode Island PBS Education Services have formed a partnership to launch a groundbreaking pilot project entitled, “Enhancing GED Instruction through the Use of Video-On-Demand.”

Rhode Island Joins 8 Other States to Launch New Algebra II Test

4/11/2007 - - Rhode Island has joined a multistate partnership to develop a new Algebra II test that will be administered jointly by the nine partner states.

Education Department Awards $2.3 Million in Grants for Community Learning Centers

4/9/2007 - - The R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) has awarded $2.3 million in grants to establish or expand community learning centers in five school districts.

Education Commissioner McWalters Testifies Before Congressional Committee on NCLB

3/21/2007 - - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters testified today (March 21st, 2007) before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor at a Full Committee hearing on the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

First Information Works! 2007 Reports on Schools are On Line

2/14/2007 - - The first elements of Information Works! 2007 have been posted on the Information Works! Web site, www.infoworks.ride.uri.edu ...

Governor Carcieri Releases First Statewide Curriculum

2/13/2007 - - WOONSOCKET – Governor Donald L. Carcieri released the first Rhode Island Statewide Curriculum today (Feb. 13th) at Woonsocket High School. The curriculum is a Web-based tool...

Increasing Number of R.I. Students Take AP, PSAT Exams

2/6/2007 - - An increasing number of public-school students in Rhode Island took AP exams last year, according to a report released today...

Test Results Show Statewide Improvements in Reading, Mathematics

1/30/2007 - - Click here to view the entire press release.

Commissioner McWalters Appoints Clark Greene as Chief of Staff/Policy Director for Elementary and Secondary Education.

1/25/2007 - - Click here to view the entire press release.

Update on Outbreak of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

1/3/2007 - - For questions or concerns about the recent mycoplasma pneumoniae outbreak in some RI schools, please see the Department of Health website, which has information for parents and health providers on their homepage. Parents and providers may also call the Family Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.

Governor Releases School Classifications; Two-Thirds of Schools Met All Targets

12/15/2006 - - More than half of the public schools in the state (57%) are classified as high performing and two-thirds of the schools (68%) met all of their annual targets .....more

Commissioner McWalters Encourages Participation in Fidelity Investments JFK Essay Contest

12/13/2006 - Smithfield - The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDOE), Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and Fidelity Investments® strongly encourage Rhode Island’s public, private and home-schooled high school students to participate in the 2007 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest....

Warwick Arts Educator Named 2007 R.I. Teacher of the Year

12/12/2006 - Warwick - Governor Donald L. Carcieri announced today (Dec. 12th, 2006) that Catherine Davis Hayes, a visual-arts teacher at the Oakland Beach Elementary Schools, has been named the 2007 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year....more

New Website Released!

12/5/2006 - - We've redesigned our website! We hope your experience on our site is an enjoyable one. We welcome any comments or questions; please send them to webmaster@ride.ri.gov .

Final Report from Hope High Special Master Finds “Excellent” Progress Has Been Made

12/4/2006 - - In his fourth and final report to the Education Commissioner Peter McWalters, Hope High Complex Special Master Nicholas C. Donohue says that progress at Hope in the past eighteen months has been “enormous.”

Nicholas C. Donohue's Full Report on progress at Hope High School

12/4/2006 - - Nicholas C. Donohue's full report available online.

Two R.I. Elementary-School Teachers Win $25,000 Milken Educator Awards

10/5/2006 - - Two elementary-school teachers were named today (Oct. 4th) as the Rhode Island recipients of the 2006-2007 National Educator Awards from the Milken Family Foundation.

Governor Carcieri Releases List of 2006 School-Performance Classifications, Elementary and Middle School

9/21/2006 - NORTH PROVIDENCE - Results from the latest round of school-performance classifications show that 62 percent of the elementary and middle schools in the state are high performing.

21st Century Community Learning Centers (CLC) Program Grades K-12

9/15/2006 - - Grant awards are contingent on the receipt of federal funds by the RI Department of Education on or after July 1, 2007.

Education Department Accepting Food Program Applications

9/8/2006 - - Local child-care centers and adult day-care centers in Rhode Island participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and provide nutritious meals daily to more than 15,600 participants at 217 locations statewide through 88 locally sponsored programs.

2006 SAT Scores Released

8/29/2006 - - The College Board today (August 29th, 2006) released the 2006 test scores and participation rates of Rhode Island public-school seniors on the SAT and AP (advanced placement) exams.

Schools Facing NCLB Sanctions 2006 - Elementary and Middle Schools

8/28/2006 - - Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education School Choice and Other Accountability Sanctions Entering 2006-07 Elementary and Middle Schools

List of Schools Facing NCLB Sanctions in 2006 is Released

8/28/2006 - PROVIDENCE - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters announced this morning (Aug. 28th, 2006) that no new elementary or middle schools will have to offer school choice or face additional sanctions mandated by the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).

Experienced R.I. Educator to Lead Central Falls Schools

8/11/2006 - PROVIDENCE - Dr. William R. Holland, a Rhode Island educator with 43 years of experience in the field, will become the interim superintendent of the Central Falls School District.

Exeter-West Greenwich Superintendent to Lead State Secondary-School Reform Programs

8/3/2006 - PROVIDENCE - The R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) has selected Roy M. Seitsinger Jr., superintendent of the Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District, as the new director of the Office of Middle School and High School Reform.

Complete Information Works! 2006 Reports Available Online at RIDE-URI Website

7/31/2006 - - The complete set of Information Works! 2006 school, district, and state reports has been posted on the Information Works! website, www.infoworks.ride.uri.edu

Five Outstanding R.I. Schools Participate in Just for the Kids Best Practice Institute

6/26/2006 - - The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE), The Broad Foundation and National Center for Educational Accountabilty (NCEA) are pleased to release NCEA's Executive Summary of the 2005 Just for th e Kids Best Practice Institute featuring practices of Rhode Island public elemen tary schools.

Special Master Reports "Satisfactory and Positive" Progress at Hope Complex

6/9/2006 - PROVIDENCE - In his third progress report to Education Commissioner Peter McWalters, Hope High Complex Special Master Nicholas C. Donohue says that “satisfactory and positive” progress has been made at Hope during the school year.
Related Info: Progress Report #3 from Hope Complex Special Master

NAEP Science Results Results Released

5/24/2006 - - Rhode Island 8th graders scored slightly above the national average on the national assessment in science administered last year by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education. The test results were released today (May 24th, 2006).

RIDE, Department of Health Announce Improvement in Health-Risk Behaviors Among Students

4/11/2006 - Providence, Rhode Island - Today, the Rhode Island Deparments of Health (HEALTH) and Education (RDE) anounced the results of the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Surey (YRS). YRS monitors health risk behaviors among public high school students.

Regents to Consider Statewide Purchases, Contracts for All School Districts

3/29/2006 - PROVIDENCE - At the meeting last week(March 23) of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education, Board Chairman James A DiPrete said that school districts should work together to establish statewide purchasing agreements and service contracts and that the Regents will help them to do so.

NECAP Data Released for grades 3 - 8 in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing

3/23/2006 - -

Kenneth Swanson Named New Director of Special Populations Office

2/9/2006 - PROVIDENCE - An administrator with more than 27 years of experience working with students with disabilities has begun work as the Director of the Office of Special Populations at the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE).

School Districts, Nonpublic Schools Asked to Submit Applications for Aid for Students Displaced by Hurricane...with related documents

1/23/2006 - - Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students (EIADS) is now available without disabilities and up to $7,500 per student with disabilities.

School Improvement in Rhode Island: A presentation to the Governor's Statewide PK-16 Council, January 12th, 2005 (Power Point)

1/12/2006 - -

Information Works! 2006 Reports Available On Line

12/22/2005 - - The first elements of Information Works! 2006 have been posted on the Information Works! website, www.infoworks.ride.uri.edu

Hope High School Complex: Progress Report #2

12/13/2005 - PROVIDENCE - The second Progress Report on the Hope High School Complex, released today (Tuesday, December 13th, 2005) by Education Commissioner Peter McWalters, has found that “positive progress” has been made to date at the three schools at Hope.

Commissioner McWalters Encourages Participation in Profile in Courage Student Essay Contest

12/1/2005 - SMITHFIELD - Fidelity Investments, Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) and the Rhode Island Department of Education have joined to encourage eligible high school students to participate in the 2006 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest.

North Kingstown Mathematics Teacher Named 2006 R.I. Teacher of the Year

11/23/2005 - NORTH KINGSTOWN - Governor Donald L. Carcieri announced today (Nov. 23, 2005) that Barbara Morse, a mathematics teacher at North Kingstown Senior High School, has been named the 2006 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year.

Five R.I. Elementary Schools Honored for High Achievement

11/10/2005 - WARWICK - Five Rhode Island elementary schools have been selected by the National Center for Educational Accountability (NCEA) to take part in a research project on educational practices in high-performing schools.

2005 High School Classifications and Test Scores Released

11/9/2005 - LINCOLN - The test scores of Rhode Island high-school students remained virtually unchanged from 2004, according to the results of the 2005 state assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics released today (November 9th, 2005) by the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE).

Two R.I. Secondary-School Teachers Win $25,000 Milken Educator Awards

10/26/2005 - - Two secondardy-school teachers were named today (Oct. 26th) as the Rhode Island recipients of the 2005-2006 National Educator Awards from the Milken Family Foundation.

Grants Available to Districts for electronic portfolio systems

10/20/2005 - - The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) has been providing various types of support to schools to help them meet the requirements of the Regents’ Regulations and the high school diploma system. RIDE has recently committed funding to support the development and implementation of an electronic portfolio system that will help districts/schools that are using Graduation Portfolio as a component of their High School Diploma System. RIDE will award grants to eligible districts/schools for districts to participate in an electronic portfolio system.

2005 NAEP Results: Rhode Island students improve in mathematics, hold steady in reading

10/19/2005 - - The results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 2005 tests, released today (October 19th, 2005) show that Rhode Island public-school students have improved in mathematics and held steady in reading.

Commissioner Announces Hiring of New Director of Teacher Certification

9/21/2005 - PROVIDENCE - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters has announced that Paulajo Gaines has been hired as the new Director of the Office of Teacher Certification at the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE).

Three Rhode Island Schools Named as Blue Ribbon Schools

9/21/2005 - - Three Rhode Island elementary schools were named as No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools of 2005, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced today.

Governor Carcieri Announces New Director of Adult Education

9/7/2005 - - Governor Donald L. Carcieri today announced the selection of the first Director of Adult Education, reporting to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. He also announced the distribution of nearly $4 million in grants to 23 community organizations for Adult Basic and Workforce Education, Family Literacy Grants and Project Opportunity.

R.I. Public-School SAT Scores Rise by 7 Points-SAT Scores - 2005 - by Public High School

8/30/2005 - - The SAT scores for public-school students in Rhode Island rose by 7 points this year, as the mean verbal score rose 2 points to 495 and the mean mathematics score rose 5 points to 501, according to results released today (Aug. 30th) by the College Board.

Decision regarding future operation of the Beacon Charter School

8/25/2005 - -

Decision regarding future operation of the Beacon Charter School

8/11/2005 - -

Hope High School Complex Making Satisfactory Progress toward Reconstitution

7/29/2005 - PROVIDENCE - In his first report to Education Commissioner Peter McWalters regarding the Commissioner’s Corrective Action Order, Special Master Nicholas C. Donohue has determined that the Hope High School complex is making satisfactory progress toward a successful school opening next month.
Related Info: Progress Report: Commissioner's Decision and Order, The Hope High School Complex

Request for Proposals -- Consortium Student Information System (CSIS) Initiative

7/22/2005 - -

The Rhode Island High-School Diploma System, A Brochure

7/21/2005 - -

2005 Annual Performance Report: Improving Results for Children with Disabilities

7/20/2005 - -

RI AWARDED NATIONAL EDUCATION REFORM GRANT

7/13/2005 - - Governor Donald L. Carcieri today announced that Rhode Island is being awarded an “Honor States” grant by the National Governors Association (NGA) to fund Rhode Island’s ongoing efforts to improve education standards, strengthen science instruction, and prepare Rhode Island high school students for college. While the amount of the grant has not yet been released, Rhode Island requested approximately $1 million over two years.

Youth Health Risk Behaviors: How RI Schools Can Use Survey Data to Create a Healthy Environment

6/20/2005 - -

Healthy Schools! Healthy Kids! School Health Chronicles- Spring 2005

6/7/2005 - -

Updated 2005-2006 Approved Supplemental Educational Services Providers List

6/7/2005 - -

Newport Superintendent Hired to Direct Progressive Support and Intervention at RIDE

6/1/2005 - PROVIDENCE - Former Newport Superintendent of Schools Mary C. Canole, Ed. D., begins work this week as the Director of Progressive Support and Intervention, at the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE).

New Information regarding Rhode Island Alternate Assessment and Alternate Grade Span Expectations

5/25/2005 - -

Education Department Dinner to Honor Rhode Island Teacher of the Year

5/12/2005 - - The 2004 National Teacher of the Year, Kathleen M. Mellor, of North Kingstown, will be the guest speaker at a dinner to honor the 2005 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year and other distinguished educators. The dinner is sponsored by the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

East Greenwich Teacher Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics

4/15/2005 - - Domenic M. Giusti, a sixth-grade teacher at the George Hanaford School, in East Greenwich, was named this week as the Rhode Island winner of a 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching.

2005-2006 Consolidated Resource Guide and Application Documents

4/1/2005 - -

Education Commissioner Names Special Master for Hope High School

3/9/2005 - PROVIDENCE - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters today (March 9th) named Nicholas C. Donohue, former New Hampshire Commissioner of Education, as the Special Master for Hope High School.

Information Works! 2005 reports are now on line

2/18/2005 - -

2005 Rhode Island Law Day And $1,000 Essay Contest

2/5/2005 - - The Rhode Island Bar Association and the Rhode Island Judiciary, with support from Roger Williams University School of Law, the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Rhode Island Police Chief’s Association, sponsor Rhode Island Law Day. This year the event will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 3, 2005. During Law Day, judge and attorney teams work with teachers to deliver law related education programs to classrooms throughout Rhode Island. In 2005, Rhode Island Law Day lessons will focus The American Jury: The Embodiment of Democracy. All Rhode Island court sessions are suspended on this day to allow active participation by Rhode Island judges and lawyers.

Hope High School: Decision and Order of Reconstitution

2/4/2005 - PROVIDENCE - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters today ordered that Hope High School continue to operate as three small, autonomous learning communities, each with the authority to recruit, hire, evaluate, and retain staff and to allocate funds.

Education Department Releases Regents’ Commended Schools, District Classifications

12/17/2004 - - The third annual list of Regents’ Commended Schools, released today by the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education and the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE), honors 44 schools in 22 school districts plus a state-operated school. Last year only 17 schools were named Regents’ Commended Schools.
Related Info: District Classifications - 2004
Regents' Commended Schools - 2004

Governor, Education Commissioner Release 2004 School-Performance Classifications Reports Show More High-Performing Schools, More Schools Making Progress

11/22/2004 - PROVIDENCE - More than half of the public schools in Rhode Island are classified as “high performing,” according to the official list of 2004 School Performance Classifications compiled by the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

RI Students Make Significant Gains on 2004 State Assessments....Test Results Released Today Show Improvements in All Subjects, Grade Levels

10/25/2004 - - Results of the 2004 state assessments released today by the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) showed significant improvements at all grade levels in both English language arts and mathematics.

Draft of RI Model for Comprehensive K-12 School Counseling Programs published for public comment

10/25/2004 - - The RI Model for Comprehensive K-12 School Counseling Programs Working Draft is being widely distributed to the Rhode Island school community for their input. Your comments will be incorporated into a final draft document for release in the spring.

Cumberland, Woonsocket Teachers Receive $25,000 Milken Awards

10/14/2003 - - An 8th-grade mathematics and science teacher at the Cumberland Middle School and a construction and building-technology teacher at the Woonsocket Career and Technical Center have each received $25,000 National Educator Awards from the Milken Family Foundation.

Rhode Island to Receive $2.7-Million Federal Grant for Reading Instruction

10/8/2003 - PROVIDENCE - Senator Jack Reed has announced that the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) has received approval for a $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to finance a reading-instruction program for pupils in the early grades.

Education Commissioner Releases List of Schools That Must Offer Choice, Tutoring

8/14/2003 - - Education Commissioner Peter McWalters presented the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education last night (Thursday, August 14) with the list of 27 public schools that must offer school choice at the opening of the coming school year.