RIDE Launches New Statewide Framework to Strengthen School Counseling and Student Readiness
Published on Thursday, October 09, 2025
Commissioner’s Counselors partnership with College Board will bolster counseling supports and capacity
PROVIDENCE, RI – Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today joined education leaders from across the state at a “Let’s Get Ready” Community of Practice event at the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center (RINEC) focusing on the implementation of the State’s new Readiness-Based Graduation Requirements and released the Rhode Island Framework for Comprehensive PreK–12 School Counseling Programs.
At the event, RIDE officials also announced the launch of the “Commissioner’s Counselors” program, a partnership between RIDE and The College Board that will bolster counseling supports and capacity at the district level.
The release of the Framework and launch of the “Commissioner’s Counselors” initiative is part of a broader effort by RIDE to reimagine the high school experience and ensure every student graduates high school with the skills, supports, and opportunities needed to shape their own future. Since the unanimous passage of Rhode Island’s new Readiness-based Graduation Requirements that go into effect for the class of 2028, RIDE has been offering implementation support as part of a “Let’s Get Ready” Action Plan focused on increasing student engagement and expanding real-world learning experiences.
“School counselors are important sources of support for our students and RIDE’s new Framework will provide vital guidance for academic success,” said Governor Dan McKee. “As we continue to make progress in improving academic achievement statewide, we need to continue to build systems of support that set up all students for lifelong success.”
“At RIDE, we are committed to ensuring every student has the support and tools to succeed whether they choose college or career after high school,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Prior to the pandemic, we took a deep dive into the high school experience and recognized that too many students were not adequately prepared. As part of our work to enhance the high school experience and create stronger pathways to post-secondary success, we have put together this Framework and are launching initiatives that will strengthen counseling programs that are essential for academic success.”
The newly released Framework, which will inform counseling programs across elementary, middle, and high school levels, is aligned with The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model and places an emphasis on post-secondary readiness, including FAFSA completion and career planning. It also underscores the integration with Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for students with a particular focus on data-driven interventions to improve outcomes.
“There is a shared responsibility across the entire school community to create a cohesive support system for students,” said Westerly’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Garceau. “This Framework shows how comprehensive school counseling fits within the state’s vision for student success and broader school improvement efforts.”
The Framework was developed through an extensive statewide public engagement process, including over 1,800 survey responses, 20 school site visits, and collaboration with school counselors, administrators, and community partners.
“As a former School Counselor, I know the importance of having a ‘big picture’ approach to students’ skills and goals,” said Middletown High School Principal, Donna Sweet. “This framework is a guide to educators as we’re providing supports for students to have exposure and access to the skills needed to be successful for a lifetime.”
The “Commissioner’s Counselors” initiative will provide districts with access to College Board tools and training, support for implementing the ASCA-aligned Framework, technical assistance for building robust ILP and advising systems, and resources to improve college and career readiness, especially for underserved student groups.
“We’re already seeing the positive impact of comprehensive school counseling programs across our state,” said Joseph Goho, Superintendent of North Providence Public Schools, and Rhode Island’s 2025 Superintendent of the Year. “This framework is a tool that educators can use to ensure that all students receive the support and skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.”
Additionally, as part of this critical work and in alignment with the Framework, Rhode Island is setting a bold goal: by 2030, at least 30 schools will earn national RAMP (Recognized ASCA Model Program) recognition. RAMP honors school counseling programs that implement national best practices through the ASCA National Model. Research shows students at RAMP schools score higher on the SAT and are more likely to enroll in college. To support this goal, planning grants will be available for schools committed to achieving RAMP recognition.