Articles from Rhode Island Education News

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PPSD Students Are Entitled to Free School Lunches. The Rest of RI Is A Different Story.

Providence Public School District students receive universal free school lunches due to the district's high poverty levels qualifying for Community Eligibility Provision, while students in other Rhode Island districts face varying eligibility requirements and costs for school meals. The disparity highlights food security challenges across different districts and the connection between student nutrition and academic performance. The article examines how meal programs affect educational equity and student wellbeing throughout Rhode Island's diverse school districts. Source: browndailyherald.com

https://www.browndailyherald.com/article/2025/09/ppsd-students-are-entitled-to-f…

This Essential Program for Working-Class Rhode Islanders Has Been Cut

Analysis of federal program cuts affecting working-class Rhode Island families, examining how policy changes impact essential services and support systems. The cuts have broader implications for student and family welfare, potentially affecting educational outcomes as families struggle with reduced access to healthcare, nutrition assistance, and other critical services that support children's ability to succeed in school. The piece connects social safety net reductions to educational challenges facing Rhode Island students. Source: steveahlquist.substack.com

https://steveahlquist.substack.com/p/its-not-just-medicaid-and-medicare

Data Shows More Rhode Island Children Lived in Poverty in 2024

New census data reveals that Rhode Island had the highest child poverty rate in New England in 2024, with 32,549 children living in poverty, a more than 20% increase from the previous year. The child poverty rate rose from 13.4% to 16.3%, making Rhode Island's rate the highest among New England states. The increase coincides with changing federal funding policies affecting Medicaid and SNAP benefits, raising concerns about impacts on student readiness and educational outcomes across the state's schools. Source: rhodeislandcurrent.com

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2025/09/18/more-rhode-island-children-lived-in-po…

Gov McKee Responds to Fed Lawsuit Against RIDE, Providence Schools

Governor Dan McKee has responded to the federal Department of Justice lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public School District over the "Educators of Color Loan Forgiveness Program." The DOJ alleges the program, which offers up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness to newly hired teachers of color while excluding white teachers, violates federal civil rights law. McKee and state education officials defend the program as necessary to address diversity gaps in teaching staff and improve educational outcomes for students of color. Source: turnto10.com

https://turnto10.com/news/local/gov-mckee-responds-to-federal-lawsuit-against-ed…

District Looks into Teacher's Social Media Activity

The Barrington school district has hired an external investigator to examine a teacher's social media activity following concerns raised about online posts. The investigation reflects growing challenges school districts face regarding educators' digital presence and the intersection of personal expression with professional responsibilities. The case highlights ongoing debates about teacher speech, social media policies, and the boundaries between personal and professional conduct in educational settings. Source: wpri.com

https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/east-bay/district-hires-investigator-to-loo…

Rhode Island's History Teacher of the Year on the Importance of Creating Lifelong Learners

Tina O'Brien, Rhode Island's History Teacher of the Year, discusses her educational philosophy focused on fostering lifelong learning habits in students. The recognition highlights innovative teaching approaches and the importance of engaging students in historical thinking and critical analysis. O'Brien's methods and perspectives offer insights into effective history education and strategies for inspiring student curiosity and continued learning beyond the classroom. Source: ripbs.org

https://www.ripbs.org/education/tina-obrien-rhode-islands-history-teacher-of-the…

New Law Lets Retired Teachers Return, but RI Still Faces Staffing Crisis

Governor Dan McKee signed legislation allowing retired school staff to work as long-term substitutes without risking their pension benefits, extending the sunset provision until July 1, 2026. The law removes the previous 90-day limit, permitting retirees to teach for a full school year while maintaining their state pensions. However, despite this measure to address staffing shortages, Rhode Island continues to face hundreds of classroom vacancies across the state, raising questions about whether the policy will be sufficient to resolve the ongoing teacher shortage crisis. Source: wpri.com

https://www.wpri.com/back-to-school/new-law-lets-retired-teachers-return-but-ri-…

Why Are So Few Kids Reading for Pleasure?

Analysis of declining recreational reading habits among students explores the factors contributing to reduced engagement with books outside of classroom requirements. The examination covers digital distractions, curriculum pressures, and changing leisure patterns affecting young readers' relationship with literature. The trends have implications for literacy development and educational approaches in schools nationwide, including Rhode Island districts working to encourage reading engagement. Source: the74million.org

https://www.the74million.org/article/why-are-so-few-kids-reading-for-pleasure/

Study: Students' Math Decline Dovetails With Math Wars, Teacher Pipeline Issues

New research examines the correlation between declining student math performance and ongoing pedagogical debates over math instruction methods, alongside challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified math teachers. The study highlights how contentious curriculum disputes and teacher preparation issues may be contributing to nationwide decreases in mathematical proficiency, with implications for educational policy and teacher training programs across states including Rhode Island. Source: the74million.org

https://www.the74million.org/article/study-students-math-decline-dovetails-with-…

Administration Sues RIDE, PPSD Over Teacher Loan Program

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal lawsuit against the Rhode Island Department of Education and Providence Public School District, claiming the "Educators of Color Loan Forgiveness Program" violates federal civil rights law by excluding white teachers. The program offers up to $25,000 in student loan forgiveness to teachers who identify as Asian, Black, Indigenous, Latino, biracial, or multi-racial after completing three consecutive years in PPSD. The DOJ alleges this constitutes racial discrimination under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause. Source: turnto10.com

https://turnto10.com/i-team/feds-sue-ride-ppsd-claiming-teacher-loan-program-is-…

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