Educator Preparation

RIDE approves a variety of educator preparation programs which, upon successful completion, prepare candidates for full certification in Rhode Island.

Candidates who complete Rhode Island Approved Educator Preparation Programs are eligible for full certification in Rhode Island and are eligible for certification in other states through reciprocity based upon agreements in the Interstate Certification Agreement with NASDTEC.

Rhode Island Educator Preparation Providers
Brown University College Unbound ExcEL Leadership Academy Johnson & Wales University
Rhode Island School for Progressive Education Principal Residency Network Providence College Rhode Island College
Rhode Island School of Design Roger Williams University Salve Regina University Teach for America
University of Rhode Island      

 

PREP-RI

PREP-RI provides a structure for reviewing programs to determine if a provider or prospective provider is offering a high-quality program that meets the RI Standards for Educator Preparation and ensures that educators are classroom and school ready on Day 1. 

PREP-RI is designed to meet three goals:

  1. Assess performance of individual programs
  2. Assess aggregate quality of educator preparation providers
  3. Provide meaningful feedback to programs and providers

PREP-RI Process Guide [PDF, 1.6 MB] introduces Educator Preparation Providers to the process which their programs will be reviewed, evaluated, and approved in order to recommend candidates for certification in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Standards for Educator Preparation [PDF, 428KB] set the expectation for high-quality programs. Embedded are the expectations that providers and programs ensure that program completers are ready from day one to be successful educators who positively impact student learning.

PREP-RI Performance Rubric [PDF, 544KB] describes levels of performance for each component of the standards. The rubric gives structure to the performance review and supports program continuous improvement.

The list below includes links to important templates and documents associated with the PREP-RI process.

Request for a Review [DOCX, 21 KB] begins the PREP-RI process. The college president, university president, or organization CEO should submit the letter to RIDE.

Provider Organization Sheet [DOCX, 88KB] is used to communicate the organizational structure and contact information with RIDE.

Demonstration of Need Form [DOCX, 82 KB] provides detail about current and recent enrollment in the program and requires the program to explain how it meets current hiring and preparation needs in RI.

Evidence Organizers structure and organize the evidence, create an opportunity for programs to set a context for the evidence, and detail the required evidence.  Each organizer includes a purpose and directions, space for brief program narratives, and a list of required evidence.

  1. Pre-Visit Evidence Organizer
  2. On-Site Evidence Organizers

Exit Meeting Protocol [PDF, 227 KB] describes the structure of the exit meeting.

All providers seeking to start a new program in Rhode Island should consult the Guide for New Program Approval [PDF, 207 KB]. This document includes timelines, application prerequisites, and approval requirements. The guide is for both providers seeking approval in RI as well as currently approved providers seeking to add programs.

Templates referenced in the guide are the following:

Suggested resources to support applicants in specifying the demand for their program may include the Emergency Certificates Annual Report, the Newly Certified Educators Report, and/or the RI Educator Preparation Indices. Current providers may also consider referring to their completer in-state past performance by referencing data from the EPP Reports tab.

Providers seeking to make a significant change in their approved program must confirm the change with RIDE prior to making the adjustment.

Brown University 

College Unbound 

ExcEL Leadership Academy

Johnson & Wales University 

Rhode Island School for Progressive Education 

Principal Residency Network

Providence College 

Rhode Island College

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School for Progressive Education 

Roger Williams University

Salve Regina University

Teach for America 

University of Rhode Island 

 

Ed Prep Index

Data regarding program completions, in-state hiring, and in-state retention of graduates can be found in the RI Educator Preparation Indices. The indices include data on almost 3,000 recent in-state program completers and offer districts, future educators, and providers valuable information to inform their work and collaboration. Each index includes expandable sections with info ranging from completer background to effectiveness.