Teacher Certification,
Preparation and Professional Development
Comprehensive Redesign
of the R.I. Teacher Certification System
In 1996 the Board of Regents’ for Elementary
and Secondary Education adopted a Comprehensive
Education Strategy as its blueprint for education
in Rhode Island. Since that date, the Department
of Education has been engaged in on-going
and systematic education reform efforts. The
Comprehensive Education Strategy charts a
course to raise student achievement levels
and holds schools and communities accountable
in achieving that goal. All PK-12 learners
must have equal access to high quality programs
in order “that all students achieve at
high levels needed to lead fulfilling and
productive lives, to compete in academic and
employment settings and to contribute to society.”
(Mission Statement RI Department of Education)
National attention and
federal laws have caused an even greater urgency
in our education reform efforts. Every level
of the Rhode Island educational system has
been assessed. Higher standards for students,
schools and districts, for teachers, and for
the Department of Education have been adopted.
All of these efforts have been and continue
to be accomplished in collaboration with the
entire Rhode Island educational community.
