200-RICR-20-20-1
200-RICR-20-20-1. Regulations Governing the Certification of Educators in Rhode Island (version Amendment, 09/24/2020 to 01/04/2022)
1.1 Purpose, Scope, and Authority
A. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws
§ 16-11-1, the educators in Rhode Island Public Schools are
required to attain certification. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
16-60-4, the responsibility for setting Regulations for certification
rests with the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
(Council). The purpose of these Regulations is to update the
requirements and procedures that govern educator certification in
Rhode Island. These Regulations detail a comprehensive redesign of
the certification system that will go into effect as the Rhode Island
Department of Education (RIDE) creates supports necessary to
implement the revisions.
B. All changes go into effect
immediately, unless otherwise noted. The one (1) year residency
requirement for all teacher certificates will go into effect December
31, 2022 for all entering program candidates. RIDE will work in
consultation with preparation program providers to outline
implementation details for the one (1) year practical residency.
1.2 Definitions
A. As used in this Part the
following words and terms have the following meaning.
1. “Administrator
certificate” means a certification issued to educators whose
primary duties may include the supervision of programs or curriculum
or the supervision or management of a local educational agency, a
school building, a school program, or a school system.
2. “Administrative
knowledge of field competencies” means the knowledge and skills
established by the applicable national professional association as
core competencies for administrators that define the range of
expectations for the specific certification administrative
position(s) addressed by the certification area.
3. “Administrator
knowledge of field testing” means the use of assessments to
evaluate the knowledge of field and skills of a prospective
administrator in the specific administrator area.
4. “Advanced educator
certificate” means the third (3 rd ) and highest level
in the three (3) tier system of full certification. This level of
certification is held by educators who consistently demonstrate
accomplished practice.
5. “Alternate route
Preliminary Certificate” means a Preliminary Certificate
awarded to prospective educators who are enrolled in a Rhode Island
approved alternate route preparation program and who have been
offered a position in a district to serve as an educator of record
while completing certification requirements.
6. “Approved program
route to educator certification” or “Approved program”
means a post-secondary educator preparation program that holds
approved status under the program approval standards of the Rhode
Island Department of Education.
7. “Building level
administrator” means any individual responsible for the
administration of a PK-12 school, including principals, assistant
principals, and charter school chief administrators.
8. “Career and technical
education Preliminary Certificate” means a Preliminary
Certificate awarded to prospective educators who have a high school
diploma and who have demonstrated that they have appropriate work
experience in their respective career and technical fields. These
prospective educators can seek employment as teachers of record in
employing agencies that are willing to employ them while the
individuals pursue full certification.
9. “Certificate”
means a document issued by the Rhode Island Department of Education
that identifies the area(s) of certification held by an educator and
the date of issuance and date of expiration between which the
certificate is valid.
10. “Certification area”
means the specific educational subject matter and grade ranges that a
teacher is qualified to teach, the specific level of administration
and grade ranges that an administrator is qualified to lead, or the
specific role in which a support professional is qualified to serve.
11. “Certification
route” means a pathway of preparation through which a
prospective educator attains certification.
12. “Certification fees”
means fees set by the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
to issue certificates.
13. “Credential
development plan” means a plan for review and monitoring by
RIDE to gain certification for Prospective Educators who hold a
Preliminary Certificate while pursuing certification. The plan
describes how the individual will demonstrate evidence of meeting
competency, assessment, and field experience requirements.
14. "Credential review
route to certification" or “Credential review route”
means the process of reviewing an applicant’s preparation
against a set of standards and criteria to determine eligibility for
certification. The process of review may include a review of
preparation, field experience, and testing results.
15. “Educator of record”
means a certified teacher, administrator, or support professional in
Rhode Island Public Schools. Teachers of record are responsible for
providing instruction and determining student grades. Administrators
of record are responsible for the supervision and management of
schools, school programs, and school districts. Support professionals
of record are responsible for instructional leadership or serving as
a specialist/consultant or a related service provider.
16. “Emergency route
preliminary certificate” means a Preliminary Certificate
awarded to prospective educators at the request of an employing
agency when a fully-certified and qualified educator who meets the
criteria for the position cannot be secured.
17. “Employing agency”
means any school committee, school board, charter school, educational
collaborative, state-approved Special Education program and state
funded pre-kindergarten program, or other public school entity
responsible for hiring certified educators.
18. "Endorsement"
means added to an existing valid teacher, support professional or
administrator certificate in recognition of specialized or advanced
expertise in an area.
19. “English language
competency testing” means the assessment of competency in
English for prospective educators who completed educator preparation
in a program where the language of instruction was a language other
than English.
20. “Expert residency
preliminary certificate” means a Preliminary Certificate
awarded to prospective educators who demonstrate sufficient
preparation in subject matter, administrative expertise, or other
certificate area specific requirements to be considered for positions
as educators while pursuing certification. These prospective
educators can seek employment as teachers of record in employing
agencies that are willing to employ them while the individual pursues
full certification. Certified educators seeking to add new
certification areas may also use the Expert Residency Preliminary
Certificate as part of a route to certification in that area.
21. "Expert residency
shortages preliminary certificate" means a Preliminary
Certificate awarded to prospective educators who demonstrate
sufficient proficiency in the related subject matter. The certificate
is requested by the employing agency while the individual pursues
full certification.
22. “Extension of
certificate” means a one (1) year extension of a certificate
when certified educators experience an interruption in employment and
are unable to provide performance data from state approved local
evaluations for each year of a certificate at the time of certificate
renewal.
23. "Fast-track
principal” means a certificate awarded to educators who meet
the requirements of R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-9 and these
Regulations. It is designed to recognize teaching experience to allow
for an expedited pathway to principal certification. An educator may
also qualify for the Fast Track Expert Residency Preliminary
Certificate which can be awarded to educators with a minimum of ten
(10) years of experience who demonstrate sufficient leadership
qualities. The certificate is requested by the employing agency while
the individual pursues full certification.
24. “Full certificate”
means a multi-year certificate that demonstrates the educator has met
all Rhode Island requirements for certification and is included in
the three (3) tier system of Rhode Island Educator Certificates.
25. “Independent
certificate area” means an area in which certification can be
obtained independent of, or not requiring, certification in another
area.
26. “Initial educator
certificate” means the first (1 st ) level in the
three (3) tier system of full certification. This level of
certification is held by all educators when they are certified for
the first time in Rhode Island.
27. “Internship”
means an extended field-based experience that provides a prospective
administrator or support professional the opportunity to develop
skills in school or school district contexts.
28. “Local educator
evaluation system” means a RIDE-approved educator evaluation
system that meets Rhode Island Educator Evaluation System Standards
pursuant to this Part.
29. “Major equivalent”
means presentation of thirty (30) or more hours of coursework in a
closely related content field deemed to be acceptable by the Rhode
Island Department of Education by applicants who did not complete a
major in the required content field.
30. “National
Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and
Certification” or “NASDTEC” means the professional
organization that represents professional standards boards,
commissions and state departments of education in all fifty (50)
states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense
Educational Activity, and the U.S. Territories which are responsible
for the preparation, licensure and discipline of educational
personnel. NASDTEC administers the Interstate Agreement for Educator
Licensure that supports reciprocity of certification across the
various state jurisdictions.
31. “One-year practical
residency” means an approach to the clinical preparation of
teachers that combines theories of teaching with experiential
learning. Teacher residencies are designed to approximate the breadth
and depth of preparing to be the primary certified teacher in a
classroom. The residency may take place over the course of one (1)
year or may take place over multiple terms, as long as a minimum
intensive, full teaching load experience is built in. While general
field experience is designed to expose future teachers to a variety
of educational settings and children, the one (1) year practical
residency is designed to provide deep instructional practice.
32. “Pedagogy testing”
means the use of assessments to evaluate the knowledge of teaching of
a prospective teacher.
33. “Practicum”
means a field-based experience in educator preparation that provides
the prospective educator the opportunity to apply knowledge in the
context of a school or other educational setting. Practicum is a
requirement to add an additional category of teaching certification
beyond a first area of teaching certification.
34. “Preliminary
educator certificates” means certificates that allow educators
who are not fully certified to serve as educators of record while
pursuing certification. Alternate Route Preliminary, Career and
Technical Education Preliminary, Emergency Preliminary, Expert
Residency Preliminary, Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary, and
Visiting Lecturer Preliminary are the six (6) types of Preliminary
Educator Certificates. These certificates are not “full
certificates” of the National Association of State Directors of
Education and Certification (NASDTEC) certification system and do not
qualify for certification in other states through reciprocity.
35. “Professional
competencies” means the knowledge and skills defined in the
Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards, the Rhode Island
Standards for Educational Leaders, and national professional
associations that articulate the professional standards for all
teachers, administrators, and support professionals.
36. “Professional
educator certificate” means the second (2 nd ) level
in the three (3) tier system of full certification. This level of
certification is awarded to holders of Initial Educator Certificates
once they complete the required professional learning units.
37. "Professional
learning units" means the hours or demonstration of competencies
as part of certification renewal requirements for all Full
Certificates.
38. “Reciprocity route
to educator certification” means the process by which Rhode
Island issues certification to educators who completed approved
educator preparation programs or hold full certification in another
state.
39. “Reinstatement fee”
means the fee charged to reinstate an expired certificate or a
certificate that was non-renewed based on performance. The
appropriate certification fee is also required for reinstatement.
40. “Regionally
accredited institution” means a college or university that
awards a bachelor’s or higher degree and, if located within the
United States, is fully accredited by one (1) of the following
regional accrediting bodies: Middle States Association of Colleges
and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Association of
Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,
and Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
41. “Rhode Island
Professional Teaching Standards” or “RIPTS” means
the standards that identify the professional knowledge and skills
expected of all teachers.
42. “Rhode Island
Standards for Education Leaders” or “RISEL” means
the standards that identify the professional knowledge and skills
expected of all administrators.
43. "Registered school
nurse" means a professional, registered nurse who provides
health services. A Registered School Nurse is not a classroom
teacher, though may consult with classroom teachers for related
content design and delivery.
44. "Special provisional
certificate" means issued to educators who hold Initial,
Professional, or Advanced Educator Certificates and did not obtain
approval or did not complete professional learning unit requirements.
The Special Provisional Certificate can only be issued once during
the time of an educator's career.
45 “Substitute teacher”
means an individual who is employed on a temporary basis to fill in
for a teacher on a day to day or long-term basis.
46. “Support
professional certificate” means issued to an educator, other
than a teacher or administrator, who has primary responsibility as an
instructional leader, a specialist/consultant, or a related service
provider in schools.
47. “Support
professional knowledge of field competencies” means the
knowledge and skills established by the applicable national
professional association as core competencies for support
professionals that define the range of expectations for the specific
support professional position(s) addressed by the certification area.
48. “Support
professional knowledge of field testing” means the use of
assessments to evaluate the knowledge of field and skills of a
prospective support professional in the specific support professional
area.
49. “Teacher
certificate” means issued to a person whose primary
responsibility is to instruct students.
50. “Teacher content
competencies” means the knowledge and skills defined by
professional associations as core subject matter competencies for
teachers within the specific certification content area.
51. “Teacher content
testing” means the use of assessments to evaluate the subject
matter knowledge and skills of a prospective teacher in the specific
teaching area.
52. “Temporary initial
educator certificate” means a Preliminary Certificate issued
for a limited duration to applicants who seek certification through
reciprocity and who meet all requirements for the Initial Educator
Certificate except for the testing requirement, including the English
Language Competency Test when applicable. This certificate allows the
applicant time to take the test that may not have been available in
their state. The educator does not have a Rhode Island “Full
Certificate” until the testing requirement is met and an
Initial Educator Certificate is issued.
53. “Visiting lecturer
Preliminary Certificate” is a Preliminary Certificate awarded
to individuals with distinctive qualifications and, therefore, a
unique capacity to enhance educational programs in districts and who
have been offered employment in districts. This certificate is not a
route to full certification.
1.3 Rhode Island Professional
Educator Standards
1.3.1 Educator Standards
A. RIDE has established
teaching and leadership standards, as well as a code of professional
responsibility for educators in Rhode Island.
1. Rhode Island Professional
Teaching Standards.
2. Rhode Island Standards for
Educational Leadership.
3. Rhode Island Code of
Professional Responsibility.
1.3.2 Rhode Island
Professional Teaching Standards
A. Teachers create learning
experiences using a broad base of general knowledge that reflects an
understanding of the nature of the communities and world in which we
live.
1. Reflect a variety of
academic, social, and cultural experiences in their teaching.
2. Use a broad content
knowledge base sufficient to create interdisciplinary learning
experiences designed to ensure that all students achieve state
standards for content and achievement.
3. Exhibit a commitment to
learning about the changes in their disciplines and in our world that
models a commitment to lifelong learning for students.
4. Facilitate student
involvement in the school and wider communities.
B. Teachers have a deep
content knowledge base sufficient to create learning experiences that
reflect an understanding of central concepts, structures, and tools
of inquiry of the disciplines/content areas they teach.
1. Know their
discipline/content and understand how knowledge in their discipline
is created, organized, and linked to other disciplines and applied
beyond the school setting.
2. Design instruction that
addresses the core skills, concepts, and ideas of the
disciplines/content areas to help all students meet Rhode Island’s
learning standards.
3. Select appropriate
instructional materials and resources (including technological
resources) based on their comprehensiveness, accuracy, and usefulness
for representing particular ideas and concepts in the
discipline/content areas.
4. Engage students in a
variety of explanations and multiple representations of concepts,
including analogies, metaphors, experiments, demonstrations, and
illustrations, that help all students develop conceptual
understanding.
5. Represent and use differing
viewpoints, theories, and methods of inquiry when teaching concepts
and encourage all students to see, question, and interpret concepts
from a variety of perspectives.
C. Teachers create
instructional opportunities that reflect an understanding of how
children learn and develop.
1. Understand how students use
their prior knowledge to construct knowledge, acquire skills, develop
habits of mind, and acquire positive dispositions toward learning.
2. Design instruction that
meets the current cognitive, social, and personal needs of their
students.
3. Create age-appropriate
lessons and activities that meet the variety of developmental levels
of students within a class.
D. Teachers create
instructional opportunities that reflect a respect for the diversity
of learners and an understanding of how students differ in their
approaches to learning.
1. Design instruction that
accommodates individual differences in approaches to learning.
2. Use their understanding of
students to create connections between the subject matter and student
experiences.
3. Seek information about the
impact of students’ specific challenges to learning or
disabilities on classroom performance, and work with specialists to
develop alternative instructional strategies to meet the needs of
these students where appropriate.
4. Make appropriate
accommodations and modifications for individual students who have
identified learning differences or needs in an Individualized
Educational Plan (IEP), 504 Accommodation Plan, Personal Literacy
Plans (PLPs), or other approved school-based individualized learning
plans (ILPs).
E. Teachers create
instructional opportunities to encourage students' development of
critical thinking, problem solving, performance skills, and literacy
across content areas.
1. Design lessons that extend
beyond factual recall and challenge students to develop higher-level
cognitive skills.
2. Pose questions that
encourage students to view, analyze, and interpret ideas from
multiple perspectives.
3. Make instructional
decisions about when to provide information, when to clarify, when to
pose a question, and when to let a student struggle to try to solve a
problem.
4. Engage students in
generating knowledge, testing hypotheses, and exploring methods of
inquiry and standards of evidence.
5. Use tasks that engage
students in exploration, discovery, and hands-on activities.
F. Teachers create a
supportive learning environment that encourages appropriate standards
of behavior, positive social interaction, active engagement in
learning, and self-motivation.
1. Use principles of effective
classroom management to establish classrooms in which clear rules and
standards of behavior are maintained.
2. Establish a safe, secure,
and nurturing learning environment that supports the active
engagement of all students.
3. Provide and structure the
time necessary to explore important concepts and ideas.
4. Help students establish a
classroom environment characterized by mutual respect and
intellectual risk-taking.
5. Create learning groups in
which all students learn to work collaboratively and independently.
6. Communicate clear
expectations for achievement that allow students to take
responsibility and advocate for their own learning.
G. Teachers work
collaboratively with all school personnel, families, and the broader
community to create a professional learning community and environment
that supports the improvement of teaching, learning, and student
achievement.
1. Work collaboratively with
their colleagues to examine teacher practice, student work, and
student assessment results with the goal of improving instruction and
achievement.
2. Develop relationships with
students and their families to support learning.
3. Understand the role of
community agencies in supporting schools and work collaboratively
with them as appropriate.
H. Teachers use effective
communication as the vehicle through which students explore,
conjecture, discuss, and investigate new ideas.
1. Use a variety of
communication strategies to engage students in learning.
2. Use a variety of modes of
communication to promote learning.
3. Use technological advances
in communication, including electronic means of collecting and
sharing information, to enrich discourse in the classroom and the
school.
4. Emphasize oral and written
communication through the instructional use of discussion, listening,
and responding to the ideas of others and group interaction.
5. Seek knowledge of and
demonstrate sensitivity to the particular communication needs of all
students.
I. Teachers use appropriate
formal and informal assessment strategies with individuals and groups
of students to determine the impact of instruction on learning, to
provide feedback, and to plan future instruction.
1. Select and/or design
individual and group classroom assessments based on the strengths,
limitations, and data provided by the assessment.
2. Identify and consider
student and contextual variables that may influence performance so
that a student’s performance can be validly interpreted.
3. Systematically collect,
synthesize, and interpret assessment results from multiple
assessments to monitor, improve, and report individual and group
achievement.
4. Provide students with
opportunities and guidance to evaluate their own work and behavior
against defined criteria and use the results of self-assessment to
establish individual goals for learning.
5. Use assessment results to
provide students with timely, helpful, and accurate feedback on their
progress toward achievement goals.
6. Maintain records of student
learning and communicate student progress to students,
parents/guardians, and other colleagues.
7. Use information from their
assessment of students to reflect on their own teaching, to modify
their instruction and to help establish professional development
goals.
J. Teachers reflect on their
practice and assume responsibility for their own professional
development by actively seeking and participating in opportunities to
learn and grow as professionals.
1. Solicit feedback from
students, families, and colleagues to reflect on and improve their
own teaching.
2. Explore and evaluate the
application of current research, instructional approaches and
strategies, including technologies to improve student learning.
3. Take responsibility for
their own professional development and improvement of their students’
learning by participating in workshops, courses, or other individual
and collaborative professional development activities that support
their plans for continued development as teachers.
4. Take responsibility for
learning about and implementing federal, state, district, and school
initiatives to improve teaching and learning.
K. Teachers maintain
professional standards guided by legal and ethical principles.
1. Maintain standards that
require them to act in the best interests and needs of students.
2. Follow school policy and
procedures, respecting the boundaries of their professional
responsibilities, when working with students, colleagues, and
families.
3. Follow local, state, and
federal law pertaining to educational and instructional issues,
including regulations related to students’,
parents’/guardians’, and teachers’ rights and
responsibilities.
4. Interact with students,
colleagues, parents, and others in a professional manner that is fair
and equitable.
5. Are guided by codes of
professional conduct adopted by their professional organizations.
1.3.3 Rhode Island
Standards for Educational Leaders
A. Standard 1. Mission,
Vision, and Core Values – Effective educational leaders
collaboratively develop, advocate, and enact a shared mission,
vision, and core values of high-quality education and academic
success and social and emotional well-being of each student.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Collaboratively develop a
mission for the district/school to promote the academic success and
social and emotional well-being of each student.
b. Develop and promote a
vision for the district/school, in collaboration with members of the
school community, on the successful learning and development of each
child and on instructional and organizational practices that promote
such practices.
c. Articulate, advocate, and
cultivate core values that define the district’s/school’s
culture and stress the imperative of child-centered education; high
expectations and student support; equity, inclusiveness, and social
justice; openness, caring, and trust; and continuous improvement.
d. Continuously review the
district’s/school’s mission and vision and make
adjustments to changing expectations and opportunities for the
school, and changing needs and situations of students.
e. Develop a shared
understanding of and commitment to the mission, vision, and core
values within the district/school and the community.
f. Model and pursue the
district’s/school’s mission, vision, and core values as
fundamental in all aspects of leadership.
B. Standard 2. Ethics and
Professional Responsibilities – Effective educational leaders
act ethically and in accordance with professional standards to
promote each student’s academic success and social and
emotional well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Act ethically and
professionally in personal conduct, relationships with others,
decision making, stewardship of the school’s resources, and all
aspects of school leadership.
b. Act according to and
promote the professional traits of integrity, fairness, transparency,
trust, collaboration, perseverance, learning, and continuous
improvement.
c. Place the needs of children
at the center of all educational decision making and accept
responsibility for each student’s academic and social and
emotional success.
d. Safeguard and promote the
values of democracy, individual freedom and responsibility, equity,
social justice, community, and diversity.
e. Lead with interpersonal and
communication skill, social-emotional insight, and understanding of
all students’ and staff members’ backgrounds and
cultures.
f. Provide moral direction for
the district/school community and promote expected ethical and
professional behavior among all staff and district/school community
members.
C. Standard 3. Equity and
Cultural Responsiveness – Effective educational leaders ensure
equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices
to promote each student’s academic success and social and
emotional well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Act with cultural
competence and responsiveness in all interactions, decision making,
and practice and ensure that each student, staff member, and school
community member is treated fairly, respectfully, and with an
understanding of culture and context.
b. Recognize, respect, and
employ each student’s strengths, diversity, and culture as
assets for teaching and learning.
c. Ensure that each student
has equitable access to effective teachers, learning opportunities,
academic and social support, and other resources necessary for
success.
d. Develop student policies
and address student behavior in a positive, fair, and unbiased
manner.
e. Confront and challenge
institutional biases of student marginalization, deficit-based
schooling, and low expectations associated with race, socio-economic
status, culture and language, gender and sexual orientation, and
disability or special status.
f. Prepare students to live
productively in and contribute to the diverse cultural contexts of a
global society.
g. Consider and address
matters of equity and cultural responsiveness in all aspects of
leadership.
D. Standard 4. Curriculum,
Instruction, and Assessment – Effective educational leaders
develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of
curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student’s
academic success and social and emotional well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Implement coherent systems
of curriculum, instruction, and assessment that promote the mission,
vision, and core values of the school, embody high expectations for
student learning, align with academic standards, and are culturally
responsive.
b. Align and focus systems of
curriculum, instruction, and assessment within and vertically across
grade levels to promote student academic success, love of learning,
the identities and habits of learners, and a healthy sense of self.
c. Facilitate instructional
practice that is consistent with knowledge of student learning and
development, effective pedagogy, and individual student needs.
d. Ensure instructional
practices that are intellectually challenging, are authentic to
student experiences, recognize student strengths, and are
differentiated and personalized.
e. Promote and facilitate the
effective use of technology in service of teaching and learning.
f. Develop and utilize
multiple valid assessments that are consistent with knowledge of
learning and development and technical standards of measurement to
monitor student progress and improve instruction.
g. Use assessment data
appropriately and with technical limitations to monitor student
progress and improve instruction.
E. Standard 5. Community of
Care and Support for Students-Effective educational leaders cultivate
an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community that promotes
the academic success and the social and emotional well-being of each
student.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Build and maintain a safe,
caring, and healthy school environment that meets the academic,
social emotional, and physical needs of each student.
b. Create and sustain a school
environment in which each student is known, accepted and valued,
trusted and respected, cared for, and encouraged to be an active and
responsible member of the school community.
c. Develop and lead coherent
systems of academic and social supports, services, extracurricular
activities, and accommodations to meet the range of learning needs of
each student.
d. Endorse and foster
adult-student, student-peer, and school-community relationships that
value and support academic learning and positive social and emotional
development.
e. Cultivate and reinforce
student engagement and leadership and positive student behavior.
f. Infuse the
district’s/school’s learning environment with the
cultures and languages of the community.
F. Standard 6. Professional
Capacity of School Personnel – Effective educational leaders,
in collaboration with stakeholders, develop the professional capacity
and practice of school personnel to promote each student’s
academic success and well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Recruit, hire, support,
develop, and retain effective and caring teachers and other
professional staff and ensure their development into an educationally
effective faculty.
b. Plan for and manage staff
turnover and succession, providing opportunities for effective
induction and mentoring of personnel.
c. Develop teachers’ and
staff members’ professional knowledge, skills, and
instructional practice through differentiated opportunities for
learning and growth, guided by an understanding of adult professional
learning and development of adults as professional and ongoing
learners.
d. Deliver actionable feedback
about instruction and other professional practice through valid,
research-anchored systems of supervision and evaluation to support
the development of teachers’ and staff members’
knowledge, skills, and practice.
e. Empower and motivate
teachers and staff to the highest levels of professional practice and
to continuous learning and improvement.
f. Develop the leadership
capacity, opportunities, and support for teacher leadership and for
other professionals in the district.
g. Promote the personal and
professional health, well-being, and work-life balance of faculty and
staff.
h. Tend to their own learning
and effectiveness through reflection, study, and improvement, while
maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
G. Standard 7. Professional
Community for Teachers and Staff – Effective educational
leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other
professional staff to promote each student’s academic success
and social and emotional well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Support a workplace culture
that is open, productive, caring, and trusting.
b. Develop a culture for
professional staff that promotes the improvement of practice through
research and effective professional learning and promotes high levels
of student learning.
c. Empower and entrust
teachers and staff with collective responsibility for meeting the
academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of each student,
pursuant to the mission, vision, and core values of the
district/school.
d. Establish and sustain a
professional culture of engagement and commitment to shared vision,
goals, and objectives pertaining to the education of the whole child;
high expectations for professional work; ethical and equitable
practice; trust and open communication; collaboration, collective
efficacy, and continuous individual and organizational learning and
improvement.
e. Ensure mutual
accountability among teachers and other professional staff for each
student’s success and the effectiveness of the school as a
whole.
f. Design and implement
job-embedded and other opportunities for professional learning
collaboratively with faculty and staff.
g. Provide opportunities for
collaborative examination of practice, collegial feedback, and
collective learning.
h. Enable faculty-initiated
improvement of programs and practices.
H. Standard 8. Meaningful
Engagement of Families and Community – Effective educational
leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal,
and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student’s academic
success and well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Are approachable,
accessible, and welcoming to families and members of the community.
b. Create and sustain
positive, collaborative, and productive relationships with families
and the community for the benefit of students.
c. Engage in regular and open
two-way communication with families and the community about the
district/school, students, needs, problems, challenges, and
accomplishments.
d. Maintain a presence in the
community to understand its strengths and needs, develop productive
relationships, and engage its resources for the district/school.
e. Create means for the school
community to partner with families to support student learning in and
out of school.
f. Understand, value, and
employ the community’s cultural, intellectual, and political
resources to promote student learning and school empowerment.
g. Openly advocate for the
district and school, and for the importance of education and student
needs and priorities with families and the community.
h. Build and sustain
productive partnerships with public and private sectors to promote
school improvement and student earning.
I. Standard 9. Operations and
Management – Effective educational leaders manage school
operations and resources to promote each student’s academic
success and well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Institute, manage, and
monitor operations and administrative systems that promote the
mission and vision of the district/school.
b. Strategically manage staff
resources, assigning and scheduling educators and staff to roles and
responsibilities that optimize their professional capacity to address
each student’s learning needs.
c. Acquire and manage fiscal,
physical environment, and other resources to support curriculum,
instruction, and assessment; student learning; professional capacity;
and family and community engagement.
d. Act responsibly and in an
ethical manner with the district’s/school’s monetary and
nonmonetary resources, engaging in effective budgeting, spending, and
accounting practices.
e. Protect teachers’ and
other staff members’ work and learning from disruption and
create an environment where students are able to learn.
f. Employ systems to improve
the quality and efficiency of operations and management.
g. Develop and maintain data
and communication systems to deliver actionable information for
classroom and school improvement.
h. Know, comply with, and help
the district/school community understand local, state, and federal
laws, rights, policies, and regulations so as to promote student
success.
i. Develop productive
professional relationships with the district office staff, school
staff, and the School Board so as to promote effective transitions
and student success.
j. Develop and administer
systems for fair and equitable management of conflict among students,
faculty and staff, leaders, families, and community.
k. Manage governance processes
and internal and external politics toward achieving the
district’s/school’s mission and vision.
J. Standard 10. School
Improvement – Effective educational leaders act as agents of
continuous improvement to promote each student’s academic
success and well-being.
1. Effective Leaders:
a. Continuously seek to make
school more effective for each student, teachers and staff, families,
and the community.
b. Use methods of continuous
improvement to achieve the vision, fulfill the mission, and promote
the core values of the school.
c. Prepare the district/school
and community for improvement, promoting readiness, an imperative for
improvement, instilling mutual commitment and accountability, and
developing the knowledge, skills, and motivation to succeed in
improvement.
d. Employ situationally
appropriate strategies for improvement, including transformational
and incremental, adaptive approaches and attention to different
phases of implementation.
e. Assess and develop the
capacity of staff to determine the value and applicability of
emerging educational trends and the findings of research for the
school and its improvement.
f. Adopt a system’s
perspective and promote coherence among improvement efforts and all
aspects of the district/school organization, programs, and services.
g. Develop technically
appropriate systems of data collection, management, analysis, and
use, connecting as needed to the district office and external
partners for support in planning, implementation, monitoring,
feedback, and evaluation.
h. Manage uncertainty, risk,
competing initiatives, and politics of change with courage,
resilience, and perseverance. Openly communicate the need for the
process of and outcomes of improvement efforts.
i. Develop and promote systems
of shared leadership among teachers and staff for inquiry,
experimentation, innovation, and initiating and implementing
improvement.
1.3.4 Rhode Island Code of
Professional Responsibility
A. Section 1. Responsibility
to Students
1. Rhode Island educators’
first commitment is to ensure that all students achieve at the high
levels needed to lead fulfilling and productive lives, to succeed in
academic and employment settings, and to contribute to society.
2. Rhode Island educators
shall:
a. Respect the inherent
dignity and worth of each student.
b. Act upon the belief that
all students can learn.
c. Establish high expectations
and provide instruction that challenges all students.
d. Recognize the differences
among students and provide the appropriate educational supports and
instructional differentiation responsive to individual needs.
e. Address the uniqueness of
each student and endeavor to maximize learning through
personalization of the educational experience for each student.
f. Promote the right and
responsibility of students to explore ideas, to develop skills, and
to acquire knowledge necessary to be contributing members of society.
g. Endeavor to present facts
and provide access to all points of view without deliberate
distortion, bias, or personal prejudice.
h. Assure that their
classrooms are environments characterized by respect for and equal
opportunity for all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, national
origin, language, gender, religion, economic status, disability, or
sexual orientation.
i. Promote the development of
character and civic responsibility in their students.
j. Maintain confidentiality of
all student information and dispense that information only when
required by professional practice or state or federal law.
k. Maintain a professional
relationship with students at all times, both in and outside the
classroom.
B. Section 2. Responsibility
to Self
1. Rhode Island educators are
committed to establishing high professional standards for their
practice and striving to meet these standards through their
individual performance.
2. Rhode Island educators
shall:
a. Assume responsibility and
accountability for their performance and continually strive to
demonstrate proficiency and currency in both subject matter knowledge
and teaching skills.
b. Develop personal and
professional goals with attention to professional standards, student
achievement, and school district initiatives and implement a course
of professional development to support attaining the goals.
c. Actively engage in
professional learning communities and seek feedback in order to
improve their performance.
d. Examine their practice on a
regular basis to expand their knowledge base, broaden their skills,
and incorporate new ideas.
e. Pursue only those
educational positions or assignments for which they have the
appropriate educational certification and credentials and for which
they have appropriate professional qualification.
f. Strive to exercise the
highest level of professional judgment.
g. Refrain from using
institutional or professional privileges for personal advantage.
C. Section 3. Responsibility
to Colleagues and the Profession
1. Rhode Island educators are
committed to work with school and district colleagues and as members
of professional communities to establish and implement initiatives
that will further student learning.
2. Rhode Island educators
shall:
a. Work effectively with other
professionals on curriculum development, instructional initiatives,
assessment programs, and professional development.
b. Assume responsibility for
working with colleagues to assure their school meets local and state
educational objectives.
c. Encourage and support
staffing decisions that are made based on the best interests of
students.
d. Collaborate with others to
improve student learning.
e. Support colleagues in
developing and maintaining a work environment that allows all
educators to maintain their individual professional integrity free of
pressure to act in ways that are not in the best interests of
students.
f. Encourage the participation
of teachers in the process of educational decision making.
g. Encourage promising
candidates who are interested in education to learn about the
opportunities and the challenges of a career in education and support
those who pursue careers through informal induction into the
profession as they develop the competence and qualifications to
become effective educators.
h. Maintain integrity
regarding the acceptance of any gratuity, gift or other compensation
that might impair or influence professional decisions or actions.
D. Section 4. Responsibility
to Parents, Families, and the Community
1. Rhode Island educators are
committed to collaborate with parents, families, and communities to
offer a quality education to all students.
2. Rhode Island educators
shall:
a. Make concerted efforts to
communicate with parents and families in a way that shares all
information necessary to become meaningful partners in the child’s
education.
b. Endeavor to understand and
respect the values and traditions of the diverse cultures represented
in their community and in their classrooms.
c. Endeavor to assure equal
educational opportunities for all children in the community.
d. Cooperate with community
agencies that provide resources and services to support students.
e. Maintain a positive and
active relationship with students’ parents/guardians, families,
and other members of the community.
f. Distinguish between their
personal opinion and official policies of the school or educational
organization when communicating with parents/guardians, families, and
the community.
E. Section 5. Responsibility
to the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
1. Rhode Island educators
demonstrate a commitment to Rhode Island standards for educator
quality through certification requirements and support for the
implementation of state initiatives within their districts.
2. Rhode Island educators
shall:
a. Provide accurate, truthful,
and complete information to RIDE concerning all certification
matters.
b. Recognize that meeting
certification requirements is a pre-condition to any contractual
agreement for a position that requires certification in Rhode Island
schools.
c. Engage in ongoing
appropriate professional development for all certificates they intend
to maintain.
d. Accept only those
assignments for which they are professionally qualified and hold
appropriate certification unless the educator and the district have
agreed to the assignment and the district has secured prior approval
from RIDE.
e. Develop an understanding of
state initiatives and support the implementation of these initiatives
within their schools and districts.
f. Maintain the security of
standardized testing materials that comprise state assessment
programs.
g. Further the mission,
policies, and regulations of the Council on Elementary and Secondary
Education.
1.4 Requirements for Certification
A. Educator Certification
Requirements
1. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws
§ 16-11-1, educators in Rhode Island Public Schools are required
to attain certification.
2. Educator certification is
required for all educators in all Rhode Island Public Schools,
state-approved Special Education programs, and state funded
pre-kindergarten programs.
B. School Committees and other
Employing Agents Responsibilities
1. All school committees,
school boards, charter schools, educational collaboratives, and other
public school entities, including state-approved Special Education
programs and state funded pre-kindergarten programs, employing
educators shall ensure before employing an educator that a candidate
holds a valid certificate or permit appropriate to the position to be
filled. In addition to meeting certification requirements, an
educator’s competency in English must be determined when the
educator is hired.
2. Employing agencies shall
report to RIDE on the performance status and assignment of all
employed educators.
3. Employing agencies shall
supervise, either directly or through a designated representative, by
regularly observing, guiding, and evaluating the performance of,
holders of a certificate through an evaluation system approved by
RIDE. Employing agencies shall report the results of evaluations of
certified educators to RIDE.
4. Employing agencies shall
ensure that principals participate in the process which determines
and defines their salaries, benefits, and conditions of employment.
Employing agencies are required to discuss and come to written
agreement with principals on matters of salaries, benefits and
conditions of employment. The School Committee may develop individual
or group agreements.
5. Employing agencies shall
report any person who is dismissed for performance-based or fitness
related reasons to the Department of Education.
6. Employing agencies shall
report the following to the Department of Education:
a. The arrest, indictment, or
conviction of its certified educator for any misdemeanor or felony.
b. Allegations that its
certified educator has engaged in sexual or romantic activity with a
child or student.
c. Allegations that its
certified educator has caused physical injury to a child or student
due to negligence or malice.
d. Information that its
certified educator is the subject of a report filed with the Child
Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) at the Rhode Island
Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
e. Any certified educator who
has resigned, retired, or otherwise separated from employment with
the agency after it became aware of an allegation that the educator
engaged in misconduct.
f. Any certified educator who
the agency has provided notice of intent to dismiss, suspend, or
place on leave for misconduct.
g. Reports must be filed in
writing within fifteen (15) days of the discovery of the occurrence
of the reason requiring the filing of the report. Reports must be
filed with the Office of Educator Excellence and Certification
Services at RIDE.
1.5 Applications and Fees
A. Application for
Certification
1. Applications for state
certificates and permits must be executed on forms or through
electronic means provided by RIDE. Additional documents and materials
must be submitted in accordance with the specific requirements for
particular certificate areas or any new requirements adopted by the
Council.
2. An applicant must submit
all required documentation for each area of certification and, as
appropriate, the following:
a. Application on an official
form or through electronic means provided by the Department of
Education;
b. Application fee as
established by the Council;
c. Official transcripts from
an approved institution, as required, of all credits and degrees
issued by the registrar or other appropriate official of the
institution;
d. A statement made by an
approved institution or alternate route to certification program
approved by the Commissioner that the candidate has completed an
approved planned program of preparation for service in the area of
certification and the grade level for which certification is sought
and has demonstrated competence with respect to professional
standards;
e. In those cases where
successful experience as an educator is a condition for
certification, a statement from the applicant’s employing agent
as to the nature, length, and quality of experience;
f. Official verification from
the testing agency that an applicant has achieved a passing score or
satisfactory evaluation on required assessments;
g. If an applicant holds
foreign credentials or transcripts, an evaluation by agencies or
organizations approved by the Department of Education to translate
and evaluate such credentials for the purposes of determining
eligibility for certification;
h. If an applicant prepared
for certification at an institution where English was not the
language of instruction, verification of minimum passing score or
higher on the state’s assessment of English Language
Competency;
i. An attestation by the
applicant that he or she is of good moral character, including
disclosure of any employment, criminal, and certification history;
and
j. Additional documentation,
as appropriate to the type of certificate or permit requested.
B. The following fees apply to
applications for certification and/or certification renewal. All fees
are non-refundable. There is no fee for the issuance of certificates
in shortage areas.
Initial
Educator Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00) for first (1 st ) certification
area and fifty dollars ($50.00) for each additional area
Professional
Educator Certificate
Two
hundred dollars ($200.00) for first (1 st ) certification
area and One hundred dollars ($100.00) for each additional area
Alternate
Route Preliminary Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each certification area
Career
and Technical Education Preliminary Certificate
Two
hundred dollars ($200.00) for each certification area
Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each certification area
Expert
Residency Preliminary Shortage Areas
Zero
dollars ($0.00) for each certificate area
Fast-track
Principal Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00)
Visiting
Lecturer Preliminary Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each certification area
Emergency
Preliminary Certificate
Two
hundred dollars ($200.00) for each certification area
Temporary
Initial Preliminary Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00) for each certification area
Special
Provisional Certificate
Two
hundred dollars ($200.00) plus certificate fees
Other
Fees
Reinstatement
of Certificate
One
hundred dollars ($100.00) charge plus the certification fees
Endorsements
Zero
dollars ($0.00)
1.6 General Requirements for Full
Certificates
A. The following requirements
apply to all full certificates. Additional requirements that are
unique to each certification area are provided in §§ 1.9,
1.10, and 1.11 of this Part.
1. Competency Requirements
a. The preparation and
certification of all educators shall be guided by professional
competencies which are based on Rhode Island professional standards.
The content knowledge and knowledge of field preparation and
certification of all educators shall be guided by content
competencies and knowledge of field competencies that are based on
the accepted standards of the appropriate professional associations.
The Professional Competencies for these purposes shall be recommended
by the Commissioner of Education for approval by the Council. RIDE
will periodically review competencies in light of changes in the
profession and will publish the list of approved competencies
annually.
2. Teacher Professional
Competencies
Any person who is seeking
certification in a teaching area shall demonstrate competency with
respect to the pedagogical knowledge articulated by the Rhode Island
Professional Teaching Standards pursuant to § 1.3.2 of this
Part.
3. Teacher Content
Competencies
Any person who is seeking
certification in a teaching area shall demonstrate competency with
respect to the content knowledge of the area of certification
articulated by the relevant subject matter professional association
identified in the certification area Regulations pursuant to §
1.9 of this Part.
4. Administrator Professional
Competencies
Any person who is seeking
certification in an administrative area shall demonstrate competency
with respect to the professional knowledge articulated by the Rhode
Island Standards for Educational Leaders pursuant to § 1.3 of
this Part.
5. Administrator Knowledge of
Field Competencies
Any person who is seeking
certification in an administrative area shall demonstrate competency
with respect to the knowledge of the field in the area of
certification articulated by the relevant professional association
identified in the certification area Regulations pursuant to §
1.10 of this Part.
B. Assessment Requirements
1. Assessments based upon
professional standards are required for all certification areas.
Assessment instruments and passing scores shall be recommended by the
Commissioner of Education for approval by the Council. RIDE shall
maintain a current list of required assessments and passing scores.
a. Pedagogy Testing
Any person who is seeking an
Educator Certificate in a teaching area shall submit verification of
minimum passing score or higher on the assessment(s) of pedagogy
applicable to the certification area as approved by the Council.
b. Content Testing
Any person who is seeking an
Educator Certificate in a teaching area shall submit verification of
minimum passing score or higher on the assessment(s) of
content/subject matter applicable to the certification area as
approved by the Council.
c. Knowledge of Field Testing
Any person who is seeking an
Educator Certificate in an administrative or support professional
area shall submit verification of minimum passing score or higher on
the assessment applicable to the certification area as approved by
the Council.
d. English Language Competency
Any person who is seeking an
Educator Certificate and who prepared for certification at an
institution where the language of instruction was not English shall
submit verification of minimum passing score or higher on the
assessment of English Language Competency as approved by the Council.
e. Assessment Requirement
Exemptions
RIDE may exempt certification
areas from testing requirements when an appropriate assessment cannot
be identified.
C. Field Experience
Requirements
1. All applicants must
demonstrate significant field experience as part of their preparation
for certification.
2. Applicants for teacher
certification must complete a one (1) year practical residency or the
equivalent of a one (1) year practical residency, such as sixty (60)
hours of field experience plus twenty-four (24) consecutive weeks of
full-time student teaching or sixty (60) hours of field experience
plus twenty-four (24) weeks of student teaching experiences
distributed over the course of the program, inclusive of an intensive
and continuous experience, and a minimum of sixty (60) hours of field
experience prior to or following the one (1) year practical residency
or equivalent.
3. Applicants for teacher
certification who are adding a new certification area must complete
an appropriate field experience that reflects the differences between
current certification area and the new certification area.
4. Applicants for support
professional certification as specialists/consultants, instructional
leaders, or school counselors must complete an internship of at least
three hundred (300) hours.
5. Applicants for building
level administrator certification must complete an internship of at
least three hundred (300) hours.
1.7 Initial Routes to Full
Certification
A. Prospective Educators earn
full certification through:
1. Completion of a Rhode
Island Approved Educator Preparation Program;
2. Reciprocity based on
completion of an approved educator preparation program in another
state within the last five (5) years or holding comparable
certification in another state; or
3. Credential Review of the
preparation of prospective educators in certification areas in which
there is no approved preparation program in Rhode Island and for
certification as Superintendent of Schools.
B. Eligibility for
Certification by Completing a Rhode Island Approved Educator
Certification Program
1. Prospective Educators
attain certification by completing a Rhode Island Approved Program
for Educator Certification and demonstrating that they meet all other
certification requirements. RIDE shall review and approve programs
that demonstrate they meet the Standards for Educator Preparation
Programs in Rhode Island.
2. Applicants eligible for
certification through completion of a Rhode Island Approved
Certification Program receive an Educator Certificate upon submittal
of:
a. Application on an official
form or through electronic means provided by RIDE;
b. Application fee as
established by the Council;
c. Official transcripts from
an approved institution, as required, of all credits and degrees,
issued by the registrar or other appropriate official of the
institution;
d. A statement made by an
approved institution or an alternate route to certification program
approved by the Commissioner of Education that the candidate has
completed an approved planned program of preparation within the last
ten (10) years for service in the area of certification and the grade
level for which certification is sought and has demonstrated
competence with respect to professional standards;
e. Official verification from
the testing agency that an applicant has achieved a passing score or
satisfactory evaluation on required Rhode Island assessments;
f. An attestation by the
applicant that he or she is of good moral character, including
disclosure of any employment, criminal, and certification history;
and
g. Additional documentation as
appropriate to the type of certificate or permit requested.
C. Eligibility for
Certification through Reciprocity with Other States
1. Applicants can attain
certification by completing an Approved Program for Educator
Certification in a state other than Rhode Island or by demonstrating
that they hold a currently valid full certificate in another state.
Reciprocity is recognition of preparation or certification in another
state as comparable to Rhode Island. Individuals seeking
certification through reciprocity must demonstrate that they meet
Rhode Island testing requirements in the areas(s) of certification or
have three (3) years of effective teaching experience unless the
individual is seeking reciprocity through the State of Connecticut,
the State of Delaware, the District of Columbia, the State of
Florida, the State of Georgia, the State of New Hampshire, the State
of Maine, the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
the State of New Jersey, the State of New York, the State of North
Carolina, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State of South
Carolina, the State of Vermont, or the Commonwealth of Virginia as
provided in § 1.7(D)(2) of this Part. If the individual was
prepared at an institution where the language of instruction was not
English, then the individual must also meet the English Language
Competency testing requirements.
2. Applicants from the State
of Connecticut, the State of Delaware, the District of Columbia, the
State of Florida, the State of Georgia, the State of New Hampshire,
the State of Maine, the State of Maryland, the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, the State of New Jersey, the State of New York, the
State of North Carolina, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the State
of South Carolina, the State of Vermont, or the Commonwealth of
Virginia who hold full certification in those states are eligible for
reciprocity without any additional requirements.
3. Applicants eligible for
certification through reciprocity receive an Initial Educator
Certificate upon submittal of:
a. Application on an official
form or through electronic means provided by RIDE;
b. Application fee as
established by the Council;
c. Official transcripts from
an approved institution, as required, of all credits and degrees,
issued by the registrar or other appropriate official of the
institution;
d. A statement made by an
approved institution or alternate route to certification program in a
state other than Rhode Island that the candidate has completed an
approved planned program of preparation within the last five (5)
years for service in the area of certification and the grade level
for which certification is sought and has demonstrated competence
with respect to professional standards OR a copy of a currently valid
full certificate from another state;
e. Official verification from
the testing agency that an applicant has achieved a passing score or
satisfactory evaluation on required Rhode Island assessments, if
applicable;
f. An attestation by the
applicant that he or she is of good moral character, including
disclosure of any employment, criminal, and certification history;
and
g. Additional documentation,
as appropriate to the type of certificate or permit requested.
D. Credential Review
1. Applicants for
certification in areas that do not have approved programs in Rhode
Island or for certification as a Superintendent of Schools can attain
certification by submitting credentials that demonstrate they meet
all certification requirements. These materials must be submitted in
a format prescribed by RIDE and are reviewed by RIDE.
2. Applicants eligible for
certification through credential review in Rhode Island will be
reviewed upon submittal of:
a. Application on an official
form or through electronic means provided by RIDE;
b. Application fee as
established by the Council;
c. Official transcripts from a
regionally accredited institution, as required, of all credits and
degrees, issued by the registrar or other appropriate official of the
institution;
d. A bachelor’s degree
for all teachers (in areas where required), an advanced degree for
all administrators except School Business Administrator, or an
advanced degree for all support professionals;
e. Evidence of performance
consistent with the competencies, assessment and field experiences
required of all certificates as described in § 1.6 of this Part;
(1) The one (1) year practical
residency or equivalent may be waived for an applicant who has had
two (2) or more documented years of successful teaching experience in
an approved setting.
f. Official verification from
the testing agency that an applicant has achieved a passing score or
satisfactory evaluation on required Rhode Island assessments, if
applicable;
g. An attestation by the
applicant that he or she is of good moral character, including
disclosure of any employment, criminal, and certification history;
and
h. Additional documentation,
as appropriate to the type of certificate or permit requested.
3. Applicants eligible for
certification through credential review for certification as
Superintendent of Schools will be reviewed upon submittal of:
a. Application on an official
form or through electronic means provided by RIDE;
b. Application fee as
established by the Council;
c. Official transcripts from
an approved institution, as required, of all credits and degrees,
issued by the registrar or other appropriate official of the
institution;
d. An advanced degree;
e. Evidence of significant
leadership experience in organizations other than schools, including:
(1) Professional Experience at
a senior level in government, private sector organizations, or the
military including significant operational responsibility and broad
general management experiences, management of complex businesses or
business units, or military command experience;
(2) Organizational Leadership
Experience that demonstrates strong analytic and problem-solving
skills and the energy, determination, and perseverance to act as an
agent of change in a demanding organization; and
(3) Interpersonal Leadership
Experience that demonstrates strong communication skills and the
ability to manage complex political relationships.
f. Official verification from
the testing agency that an applicant has achieved a passing score or
satisfactory evaluation on required Rhode Island assessments;
g An attestation by the
applicant that he or she is of good moral character, including
disclosure of any employment, criminal, and certification history;
and
h. Additional documentation,
as appropriate to the type of certificate or permit requested.
1.8 Types of Certificates
1.8.1 Full Certificates
A. Full certification is
awarded to applicants who have completed all Rhode Island preparation
requirements for certification. RIDE issues the following three (3)
types of full certificates: Initial Educator Certificate;
Professional Educator Certificate; and Advanced Educator Certificate.
The Initial Educator Certificate, Professional Educator Certificate,
and Advanced Educator Certificate provide a three (3) tiered system
of certification that recognizes different stages of development and
accomplishment within the profession.
1. The Initial Educator
Certificate is the first (1 st ) full certificate issued to
an individual who meets all Rhode Island certification requirements.
2. The Professional Educator
Certificate is the second (2 nd ) full certificate issued to
an individual. An individual attains a Professional Educator
Certificate after completing the required professional learning units
while working under an Initial Educator Certificate.
3. The Advanced Educator
certificate is issued to an individual by meeting one (1) of the
aspirational benchmarks identified by RIDE and completing the
required professional learning units while working under a
Professional Educator Certificate.
B. All full certificates share
a common expiration date. The Commissioner of Education shall
recommend for approval by the Council a common expiration date.
Educators with certification in more than one (1) area shall be
assigned a common expiration year for all certificates. All full
certificates can be renewed by meeting applicable requirements, but
satisfaction of renewal requirements does not preclude an action to
revoke a certificate pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-4.
1.8.2 Initial Educator
Certificate
A. The first (1 st )
level of full certification issued to an applicant who meets the
following criteria is an Initial Educator Certificate.
1. Duration
The Initial Educator
Certificate is valid for three (3) years.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant meets the
degree requirements for the certification area with a degree from a
regionally accredited approved institution;
b. The applicant is eligible
for certification through the completion of a Rhode Island Approved
Educator Preparation Program, reciprocity, or credential review;
c. The applicant meets all
competency and assessment requirements; and
d. The applicant meets any
additional certification area requirements as specified in §§
1.9, 1.10, and 1.11 of this Part.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The applicant must comply
with the professional learning requirements outlined in this Part in
order to renew their certificate.
b. Beginning with certificates
expiring on August 31, 2020, the professional learning units under §
1.8.5 of this Part will be required for renewal and progression to a
Professional Certificate. The number of professional learning units
required will be phased in between 2020 and 2025. The renewal of
certificates in 2020 and 2021 will be prorated. Beginning in 2025,
the full ninety (90) professional learning units will be required.
c. Beginning in 2020,
applicants will submit the professional learning units outlined in
the chart below.
Year
of Certificate Renewal
Formula
to Prorate Units
Total
Units to Be Completed for Renewal
2020
1x20
Twenty
(20)
2021
2x20
Forty
(40)
2022
3x25
Seventy-Five
(75)
2023
3x25
Seventy-Five
(75)
2024
3x25
Seventy-Five
(75)
2025
3x30
Ninety
(90)
d. If the applicant has
accumulated the appropriate number of professional learning units
during the term of the three (3) year Initial Educator Certificate,
it may be renewed as a five (5) year Professional Educator
Certificate.
(1) If the applicant was
employed for one (1) or two (2) years, but not three (3) years the
certificate will be renewed as a three (3) year Initial Educator
Certificate.
(2) If the applicant was not
employed in a publicly funded educational setting the certificate
will be renewed as a three (3) year Initial Educator Certificate.
(3) If the applicant was
employed in a publicly funded educational setting, but was on leave
for one (1) or more years, a prorated number of units will be
submitted with a letter confirming leave status. The prorated number
of units will be equal to the number of units required during the
phase-in period or thirty (30) units per year beginning in 2025.
4. Non-renewal
If an applicant for renewal
did not obtain employer approval or did not complete the required
units, the certificate will not be renewed. The applicant may be
eligible for the Special Provisional Certificate pursuant to §
1.8.17 of this Part.
1.8.3 Professional Educator
Certificate
A. The second (2 nd )
level of full certification issued to an applicant who demonstrates
successful practice and meets the following criteria is a
Professional Educator Certificate.
1. Duration
The Professional Educator
Certificate is valid for five (5) years.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant holds an
Initial Educator Certificate;
b. The applicant completed
three (3) years as a Rhode Island educator working under the Initial
Educator Certificate; and
c. The applicant completed the
appropriate number of professional learning units.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The applicant must comply
with the professional learning requirements outlined in this Part in
order to renew their certificate.
b. Beginning with certificates
expiring on August 31, 2020, the professional learning units under §
1.8.5 of this Part will be required for renewal. The number of
professional learning units required will be phased in between 2020
and 2030. Beginning in 2030, the full one hundred (100) professional
learning units will be required for the renewal of all Professional
Certificates
c. Individuals who hold an
Initial Certificate that expires between 2020 and 2025 and are issued
a Professional Certificate between 2020 and 2025 will submit the
professional learning units outlined in the chart below.
Year
of Certificate Renewal
Formula
to Prorate Units
Total
Units to Be Competed for Renewal
2025
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
2026
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
2027
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
2028
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
2029
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
2030
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
d. Individuals who already
hold a Professional Certificate or Advanced Certificate as of
December 31, 2019 will submit the professional learning units
outlined in the chart below.
Year
of Certificate Renewal
Formula
to Prorate Units
Total
Units to Be Completed for Renewal
2020
1x15
Fifteen
(15)
2021
2x15
Thirty
(30)
2022
3x15
Forty-Five
(45)
2023
4x15
Sixty
(60)
2024
5x15
Seventy-Five
(75)
2025
5x15
Seventy-Five
(75)
2026
4x15;
1x20
Eighty
(80)
2027
3x15;
2x20
Eighty-Five
(85)
2028
2x15;
3x20
Ninety
(90)
2029
1x15;
4x20
Ninety-Five
(95)
2030
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
e. If the applicant has
completed the appropriate number of professional learning units
during the terms of the five (5) year Professional Educator
Certificate, it may be renewed as a five (5) year Professional
Educator Certificate.
f. Professional learning units
earned for one (1) certificate may be applied to the renewal of
additional certificates. See § 1.8.5 of this Part for more
information about allowable professional learning units.
(1) If the applicant was
employed for less than the five (5) years of the certificate, the
certificate will be renewed as a Professional Educator Certificate
without the submission of professional learning units.
(2) If the applicant was not
employed in a publicly funded educational setting during the five (5)
years the certificate will be renewed as a five (5) year Professional
Educator Certificate. Applicants who are not employed in publicly
funded settings are not required to submit evidence of performance or
professional learning units.
(3) If the applicant was
employed in a publicly funded educational setting but was on leave
for one (1) or more years, a prorated number of units will be
submitted with a letter confirming leave status. The prorated number
of units will be equal to the number of units required during the
phase-in period.
4. Non-renewal
If an applicant for renewal
did not obtain employer approval or did not complete the required
units, the certificate will not be renewed. The applicant may be
eligible for the Special Provisional Certificate pursuant to §
1.8.17 of this Part.
1.8.4 Advanced Educator
Certificate
A. The third (3 rd )
level of full certification issued to an applicant who demonstrates
accomplished practice and meets the following criteria is an Advanced
Educator Certificate.
1. Duration
The Advanced Educator
Certificate is valid for seven (7) years.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant holds a
Professional Educator Certificate;
b. The applicant completed
five (5) years as a Rhode Island educator working under the
Professional Educator Certificate;
c. The applicant completed the
appropriate number of approved professional learning units; and
d. The applicant achieves one
(1) of the aspirational benchmarks listed below, during the term of
the certificate being renewed.
(1) National Board
Certification in certification area; or
(2) Conferral of an advanced
degree from an accredited institution of higher learning during the
term of the certificate being renewed in a subject directly related
to the content knowledge required to teach or lead under the
certificate being renewed; or
(3) Receives RIDE or national
recognition as a Milken educator, State Teacher of the Year, or
Presidential Award Winner for Math and Science during the
certification cycle; or
(4) Receives Certificate of
Completion of NISL Executive Development Program, or serves as a NISL
Facilitator and/or NISL Content Facilitator
(5) Achieves additional RIDE
certification in a limited number of shortage areas identified by
RIDE.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. Beginning with certificates
expiring on August 31, 2020, the professional learning units under §
1.8.5 of this Part will be required for renewal.
b The number of professional
learning units required will be phased in between 2020 and 2030. In
2030, the full one hundred (100) professional learning units will be
required.
c. Individuals who already
hold a Professional Certificate or Advanced Certificate as of
December 31, 2019 will submit the professional learning units
outlined in the chart below.
Year
of Certificate Renewal
Formula
to Prorate Units
Total
Units to Be Completed for Renewal
2020
1x15
Fifteen
(15)
2021
2x15
Thirty
(30)
2022
3x15
Forty-Five
(45)
2023
4x15
Sixty
(60)
2024
5x15
Seventy-Five
(75)
2025
5x15
Seventy-Five
(75)
2026
4x15;
1x20
Eighty
(80)
2027
3x15;
2x20
Eighty-Five
(85)
2028
2x15;
3x20
Ninety
(90)
2029
1x15;
4x20
Ninety-Five
(95)
2030
5x20
One
Hundred (100)
d. Beginning in 2030, the
applicant is responsible for submitting the full, one hundred (100)
units, required to renew the certificate as described in §
1.8.5.
(1) If the applicant was
employed less than the five (5) years of the certificate, the
certificate will be renewed as a Professional Educator Certificate
without the submission of professional learning units.
(2) If the applicant was not
employed in a publicly funded educational setting during the seven
(7) years of the certificate, the certificate will be renewed as a
five (5) year Professional Educator Certificate. Applicants who are
not employed in publicly funded settings do not submit evidence of
performance or professional learning units.
(3) If the applicant was
employed in a publicly funded educational setting, but was on leave
for one (1) or more years, a prorated number of hours will be
submitted with a letter confirming leave status. The prorated number
of units will be equal to the number of units required during the
phase-in period.
(4) If the applicant has
accumulated one hundred (100) professional learning units and has met
the aspirational benchmarks and performance expectations during the
term of the certificate outlined above, the certificate may be
renewed as a seven (7) year Advanced Educator Certificate.
(5) If the applicant has
accumulated one hundred (100) professional learning units and
performance expectations but has not met aspirational benchmarks, the
certificate may be renewed as a five (5) year professional.
4. Non-renewal based
If an applicant for renewal
did not complete the required units, the certificate will not be
renewed. The applicant may be eligible for the Special Provisional
Certificate pursuant to § 1.8.17 of this Part.
1.8.5 Professional Learning
Units
A. Professional Learning Units
(PLUs) are accrued for the purpose of demonstrating ongoing
professional learning. The accumulation of these units is a
requirement for renewing educator certificates. These units represent
ongoing learning and are earned as a result of professional learning
activities that are designed to increase educator effectiveness.
Ongoing learning is an important and necessary responsibility of
educators as they maintain the knowledge and skills needed to educate
students.
B. Educators are responsible
for the completion of all PLUs, as PLUs are a condition of the
renewal of educator certificates. Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
may, in accordance with LEA discretion and/or local agreements, make
available some or all of these PLUs for its employed educators.
C. Each LEA that employs
educators shall develop, in collaboration with the employed
educators, an LEA professional learning plan that includes the
provisions outlined below.
1. Identification of needs and
interests of all educators based on analysis of student data,
educator evaluation information, surveys, and needs assessments.
2. Alignment to educator
needs, as well as district and school needs, through review of
district strategic plans, school improvement plans, surveys, and
other information.
3. Examples of allowable
activities consistent with these Regulations.
4. Mechanisms for the approval
of educator professional learning consistent with these Regulations
and the local resolution of disputes.
5. Structures and plans to
ensure opportunities for professional learning activities that take
place within the school context over time and are ongoing including,
but not limited to, data analysis meetings, student work review
teams, curriculum implementation teams, improvement cycle activities,
induction activities, mentoring activities, and structured
professional learning communities, rather than only reliance on
one-time activities.
6. Alignment and
differentiation of professional learning to ensure opportunities that
are relevant to teachers' certified areas, administrators, and
support professionals.
D. All educator PLUs for
employees of a LEA shall be approved by the superintendent of the LEA
or his/her designee and, once the LEA professional learning plan is
operative, be consistent with the LEA professional learning plan. In
any instance where these Regulations and the LEA professional
learning plan are in conflict, these Regulations shall take
precedence. PLUs for superintendents shall be approved by the Chair
of the School Committee. The Commissioner of Education shall have the
authority to approve specific PLU offerings for all Rhode Island
certified educators.
E. Activities for Professional
Learning Units
1. Site-Based Professional
Learning activities, such as: induction activities, mentoring
activities, structured professional learning communities, data
analysis meetings, local workshops, lesson study, student work review
sessions, curriculum implementation teams, and other site-based
activities designed to improve teaching and learning.
2. Structured coaching that
involves trained coaches working with colleagues on focused
objectives through observation and feedback cycles. Coaching may take
the form of induction coaching for beginning teachers or peer
coaching and instructional coaching.
3. Proficiency-based learning
and micro-credentials activities that require the educator to
demonstrate proficiency in a new skill by submitting evidence of
mastery. Micro-credentials often require educators to submit evidence
to third (3 rd ) party providers for review.
4. University coursework at
accredited institutions of higher education.
5. National Board
Certification is a recognized form of professional learning that may
be used to accumulate units. Educators may receive units for
completing individual components even if the certification is not
achieved.
6. External conferences or
workshops led by external organizations encompassing a wide range of
learning opportunities. Short-term or stand-alone workshops can be
counted for limited units.
7. Activities that may count
toward the accumulation of professional learning units are those that
develop subject matter/content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge,
pedagogical content knowledge, curriculum implementation knowledge or
enhance educator effectiveness. These activities may be facilitated
in many ways including, but not limited to, third (3 rd )
parties not regularly employed by the LEA and other educators
regularly employed by the LEA, such as a professional learning
community focused on a professional problem of practice.
8. Activities that do not
directly relate to improving educator practices, such as general
logistics, school daily operations, safety trainings, and most
committee work do not qualify for professional learning units. These
are important activities for schools, but are not considered
professional learning.
F. Assigning Unit Values to
Activities – In order to recognize hours-based and
competency-based professional learning experiences, RIDE will use
professional learning units as its measure for documenting
professional learning. Conversions will be needed to accommodate
different learning activities.
1. One (1) hour of a
professional learning activity is equal to one (1) professional
learning unit. For tracking purposes, rounding to the nearest
half-hour is appropriate.
2. One (1) college credit is
equal to fifteen (15) professional learning units.
3. One (1) demonstrated
competency in proficiency-based or competency-based learning is equal
to five to ten (5 to 10) professional learning units, determined by
the Superintendent based on the rigor of the competency expectations.
4. National Board
Certification activities:
a. One (1) component is equal
to forty-five (45) professional learning units.
b. Completion is equal to one
hundred eighty (180) units.
c. Renewal is equal to ninety
(90) units.
G. RIDE will continue to study
research-based competency approaches to certification renewal and
will make future recommendations that reduce the reliance on a number
of units and emphasizes growth in professional practice.
H. RIDE will engage with
teachers' unions and LEA leadership to provide model Professional
Learning Plans and to review and evaluate the quality of professional
learning experiences.
I. Record Keeping and
Documentation
1. Educators must maintain
records of all activities and make them available upon request by
RIDE. All records must attest to participation by the educator in the
activity and the professional learning units earned.
2. Employers verify locally
that educators met renewal requirements. Documentation of
verification shall be provided to the educator for certification
renewal.
3. Educators must submit
employer verification forms to RIDE as part of the renewal process.
J. Audits of Professional
Learning Units
1. In order to ensure the
efficacy of the professional learning unit system, RIDE will audit
renewal applications each year.
2. Educators selected for
audit must submit documentation for all activities submitted for
certificate renewal.
3. Failure to submit required
documentation will result in non-renewal of certificates.
1.8.6 Preliminary
Certificates
A. Preliminary certification
is awarded to candidates who are not eligible for full certification,
but who have met specific criteria that qualify them to serve as
educators of record while completing all certification requirements.
RIDE issues the following six (6) types of Preliminary Certificates:
Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate; Career and Technical
Education Preliminary Certificate: Emergency Preliminary Certificate;
Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate; Expert Residency –
Shortages Preliminary Certificate; Fast-track Principal Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate; Temporary Initial Educator
Preliminary Certificate, and Visiting Lecturer Preliminary
Certificate.
B. Most Preliminary
Certificates will be issued for one (1) year and share a common
expiration date that the Commissioner of Education shall recommend
for approval by the Council. All Preliminary Certificates can be
renewed by meeting applicable requirements, but satisfaction of
renewal requirements does not preclude an action to revoke a
certificate pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-4.
C. Generally, educators may
not be assigned to positions out of their certification areas. To
minimize the use of Emergency Preliminary Certifications, employing
agencies should seek to fill positions through the use of the
following Preliminary Certificates: Alternate Route Preliminary
Certificates, Career and Technical Education Preliminary
Certificates, Expert Residency Preliminary Certificates, Expert
Residency – Shortages Preliminary Certificates, Fast-track
Principal Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate, and Temporary
Initial Educator Preliminary Certificates. These Preliminary
Certifications provide a basis for identifying the most qualified
personnel for these vacancies.
D. Employing agencies that
hire educators working under a Preliminary Certificate shall evaluate
and provide meaningful support to these educators.
E. A person who holds a
Preliminary Certificate is not “fully certified.”
Employment under the authority of a Preliminary Certificate does not
constitute teaching service for purposes of the teacher tenure
probationary period.
1.8.7 Alternate Route
Preliminary Certificate
A. The Alternate Route
Preliminary Certificate is issued to individuals who are enrolled in
an approved Rhode Island Alternate Route Program, § 1.8.7 of
this Part, and who have been offered employment by a Rhode Island
school district.
1. Duration
The Alternate Route
Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant for a
certificate in a teaching area holds a bachelor’s degree and
the applicant for an administrative area (except for School Business
Administrator) or a support professional area holds an advanced
degree from an accredited institution;
b. The applicant for a
certificate in a teaching area has passed all subject matter testing
requirements;
c. The applicant for a
certificate in an administrative or support professional area has
passed all knowledge of field assessment requirements;
d. The applicant is enrolled
in a Rhode Island approved educator preparation program;
e. The applicant has
successfully completed a pre-service field experience as part of
preparation;
f. An employing agency has
offered the applicant employment and the preparation program and the
agency jointly request the certificate; and
g. The certificate is valid
only for the employing agency of the assignment.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The preparation program and
the employing agency recommend renewal based on the educator’s
performance in the assignment and progress in the preparation
program.
b. The Alternate Route
Preliminary Certificate can be renewed one (1) time.
4. Certification Areas
All teacher, administrator,
and support professional areas are included.
1.8.8 Rhode Island
Alternate Route Program Standards
A. Applicants can attain
certification by completing a Rhode Island Approved Program for
Educator Certification that is designed to prepare individuals
working on an Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate. Alternate
Route to Certification Programs meet the following standards:
1. Purpose – In order to
ensure that every child is served by well-prepared educators in both
professional expertise and content area knowledge, the Rhode Island
Department of Education may approve alternative educator preparation
programs. Programs may be designed to serve any of the following
purposes:
a. Meet the demand for
qualified teachers in high need certification areas. Recruit teachers
to staff schools in high need LEAs.
b. Increase the number of
qualified candidates from groups that are underrepresented in the
Rhode Island teaching force.
c. Provide rigorous, high
quality preparation through an expedited track to certification.
Attract highly motivated individuals who bring subject matter
expertise to the profession.
2. The following definitions
apply to this section:
a. “Alternative educator
preparation program” means a program that provides preparation
to educator candidates who serve as teachers of record while
completing the approved program. These programs may be offered by an
institution of higher education, a professional organization, or a
private service provider.
b. “Teacher of record”
means:
(1) Teachers that are
responsible for content instruction and determining student grades,
or
(2) Administrators or other
education service providers that perform the functions allowed by
their program certificate area.
3. Approval of program. To be
approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education an alternative
educator preparation program must:
a. Meet the Performance Review
for Educator Preparation-RI (PREP-RI) standards and participate in
regular program review as defined in the RIDE Teacher Preparation
Approval Guidelines. Notwithstanding language to the contrary within
PREP-RI any reference to institutions of higher education or colleges
and universities shall be interpreted to include private service
providers and other professional organizations for the purposes of
this section.
b. Develop a partnership with
one (1) LEA or consortium of LEAs that demonstrates a commitment by
the LEA(s) to hire and supervise candidates as teachers of record
while enrolled in an approved alternative route to certification
program.
c. Be designed and delivered
in a way that is responsive to needs of candidates and LEAs through a
measurable system of assessment as defined in PREP-RI.
d. Private service providers
and other professional organizations do not require accreditation by
NEASC.
4. Program Components. The
PREP-RI approval process and the standards contained therein apply to
both traditional and alternative educator preparation programs.
Alternative certification programs must design program components
that align to PREP-RI standards and must:
a. Ensure that candidates meet
eligibility requirements for their certificate area prior to entering
an approved program. Programs may develop conditional acceptance
policies for RIDE approval.
b. Include rigorous admission
criteria that include:
(1) A minimum of a bachelor’s
degree from an accredited institution; and, for secondary areas, a
major in or closely related to the intended teaching field or
demonstration of content knowledge by meeting other Council approved
content knowledge measures as they are developed and contained in RI
certification Regulations;
(2) A minimum cumulative grade
point average of “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) in
undergraduate studies; or in at least twenty-four (24) semester hours
of graduate study;
(3) Other admission criteria
identified by the program to meet PREP-RI standards.
c. Include the successful
completion of an intensive pre-service experience of a minimum of
five (5) weeks that addresses the unique needs of the certificate
areas and prepares individuals to begin serving as the educator of
record including, but not limited to, instruction in grade-level
appropriate pedagogy, classroom management, and the Statutes and
Regulations governing public education and students’ rights.
The pre-service experience must also include opportunities for
candidates to apply knowledge and skills.
d. Include an ongoing
curriculum during the school year through seminars or courses.
e. Require individuals working
on an Alternative Route Preliminary Certificate to serve as the
teacher of record for a minimum of one (1) school year.
f. Ensure ongoing professional
support and supervision of candidates by educators who model
effective practice and assume responsibility for supporting
prospective colleagues. Program and district personnel including, but
not limited to, a district-assigned mentor, consistent with Council
standards for induction and mentoring, must provide field-based
support and supervision in such a way that supports the development
of prospective educators. Ongoing feedback provided to candidates
must focus on improving candidate performance.
5. Certification:
a. Individuals in alternative
route to certification programs will hold an Alternative Route
Preliminary Certificate that allows them to serve as the teacher of
record for at least one (1) school year.
b. Upon successful completion
of all program requirements, state testing requirements and
recommendation for licensure, individuals will be eligible for a
Rhode Island initial educator certificate.
1.8.9 Career and Technical
Education Preliminary Certificate
A. The Career and Technical
Education Preliminary Certificate is issued in a specific career and
technical education area of certification to individuals who have
demonstrated accomplished practice through an apprenticeship and
experience in the specific career and technical area and who have
passed a written and practical exam in the career and technical
field, when applicable.
1. Total duration of
certificate – seven (7) years.
2. The Career and Technical
Education Preliminary Certificate is valid for three (3) years and
may be renewed one (1) time for four (4) years.
3. Conditions for Issuance:
a. The applicant holds a high
school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma;
b. The applicant must have
five (5) years of work experience in the career and technical area if
he or she holds high school diploma;
c. The applicant must have
three (3) years of work experience in the specific career and
technical area if the applicant holds an associate's or bachelor's
degree in the career and technical area;
d. If applicable, the
applicant holds a valid occupational license/certification in the
career and technical area issued by the appropriate Rhode Island
governing body; and
e. The employing agency must
provide induction support for all new Career and Technical Educators
working under this certificate.
4. Conditions for Renewal
a. The applicant is enrolled
in a preparation program prior to renewal and must demonstrate
progress in the preparation program at the time of renewal;
b. The preparation program and
the employing agency recommend renewal based on the educator’s
performance in the job and progress in the program;
c. The applicant has passed a
written practical exam in the career and technical area when
available and applicable. Applicants who hold advanced industry
licenses issued by the appropriate Rhode Island governing body or
advanced industry certificates are not required to complete subject
matter testing; and
d. If a bachelor's degree or
work experience was completed more than ten (10) years prior to the
date of application, subject matter testing will be required, even if
it otherwise would not have been required.
5. Certification Areas
All Secondary Grades Career
and Technical Education areas are included.
1.8.10 Emergency
Preliminary Certificate
A. The Emergency Route
Preliminary Certificate is issued at the request of an employing
agency when the agency documents that it has not been able to find a
candidate who is certified and qualified for a position that requires
certification. The Emergency Preliminary Certificate is issued to an
individual who has adequate content or knowledge of field preparation
to fill the position while working towards the completion of
requirements for full certification.
1. Duration
The Emergency Route
Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant for a
certificate in a teaching area holds a bachelor’s degree, if
applicable, and the applicant for an administrative area (except for
School Business Administrator) or a support professional area holds
an advanced degree from an accredited institution;
b. The applicant for an
Emergency Preliminary Certificate in a teaching field has sufficient
subject matter preparation to teach in the field, but has not
demonstrated the level of knowledge through the content assessment
The applicant for an Emergency Preliminary Certificate in an
administrative or support professional field has sufficient knowledge
of the field to serve in the assignment but has not demonstrated the
level of knowledge through the knowledge of field assessment;
c. The employing agency can
request an Emergency Preliminary Certificate beginning on July 1
prior to a school year and requests for renewal can be made beginning
in June of the following year;
d. The employing agency
demonstrates that they have advertised the position and made efforts
to identify and recruit applicants but were unable to find a
candidate who is certified and qualified;
e. The certificate is valid
only in the requesting agency.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. For teaching areas, the
applicant has passed the subject matter test prior to first (1 st )
renewal.
b. For administrative and
support professional areas, the applicant has passed the knowledge of
field test prior to first (1 st ) renewal.
c. The applicant has enrolled
in a preparation program if there is an approved Rhode Island program
or has developed a credential development plan if there is not an
approved Rhode Island program prior to first (1 st )
renewal.
d. The preparation program and
the employing agency recommend renewal based on the educator’s
performance and progress. Beginning with the second (2 nd )
renewal, progress in the preparation program must be demonstrated. If
there is no approved Rhode Island preparation program, the applicant
must demonstrate progress towards the completion of the credential
development plan.
e. The Emergency Route
Preliminary Certificate can be renewed up to three (3) times. When
appropriate, the educator shall be issued an Expert Residency
Preliminary Certificate instead of a renewal of an Emergency
Preliminary Certificate.
4. Certification Areas
All teacher, administrator,
and support professional areas are included.
5. Additional Requirements
An Emergency Preliminary
Certificate can only be issued for the Support Professional Area of
Speech Language Pathologist to an individual who holds a bachelor’s
degree in communicative disorders from an accredited college or
university and has successfully completed no less than eighteen (18)
hours of graduate credit in the area of speech language pathology.
Districts must assure that the individual is under the direct
supervision of a certified speech language pathologist who is
supervising no more than one (1) person on an Emergency Certificate.
1.8.11 Expert Residency
Preliminary Certificate
A. The Expert Residency
Preliminary Certificate is issued to individuals who have a
bachelor’s degree, demonstrate subject matter proficiency
through content examinations, and have met other coursework or
experience requirements specific to individual certification areas.
1. Duration
The Expert Residency
Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant for a
certificate in a teaching area holds a bachelor’s degree and
the applicant for an administrative area (except for School Business
Administrator) or for a support professional area holds an advanced
degree from an approved institution;
b. The applicant has passed
all subject matter assessment requirements in teaching certification
areas;
c. The applicant has passed
all knowledge of field assessment requirements in administrative
certification areas; and
d. The applicant has provided
evidence of meeting any other preparation required for specific
certification areas as specified in § 1.8.10(A)(5) of this Part.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The applicant has enrolled
in a preparation program if there is an approved Rhode Island program
or developed a credential development plan if there is not an
approved Rhode Island program prior to first (1 st )
renewal.
b. The preparation program and
the employing agency recommend renewal based on the educator’s
performance and progress. Beginning with the second (2 nd )
renewal, progress in the preparation program must be demonstrated. If
there is no approved Rhode Island preparation program, the applicant
must demonstrate progress towards the completion of the credential
development plan.
c. The Expert Residency
Preliminary Certificate can be renewed up to three (3) times.
4. Certification Areas
All teacher areas,
administrator areas, and support professional certification areas are
included.
5. Additional Requirements
a. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Early Childhood Education or
Elementary Education has passed the pedagogy assessment, has
completed seminars or coursework in the teaching of Reading, English
Language Arts, and Mathematics, and in teaching students with
disabilities.
b. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in any Middle Level Education
(independent of an Elementary Education or Secondary Grades
certificate), Secondary Grades, or All Grades subject matter area,
has a major or equivalent in the content field or in a closely
related field.
c. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Middle Level Education (added on
to an Elementary Education certificate) has demonstrated meeting the
content competencies with a minimum of twenty-one (21) semester hours
in the content field.
d. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in English as a Second Language has
met assessment requirements for teaching English as a Second
Language.
e. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Bilingual and Dual Language
Education holds a general education certificate for Early Childhood,
Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Grades
Education, or All Grades Education and has met assessment
requirements for teaching English as a Second Language and
demonstrated proficiency in the second (2 nd ) language of
instruction.
f. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Special Education has met
assessment requirements for teaching Special Education.
g. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Special Education-Deaf and Hard
of Hearing has met assessment requirements for teaching in this field
and has met assessment requirements in American Sign Language.
h. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Special Education –
Oral/Aural Communication has met assessment requirements for teaching
in this field.
i. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Special Education – Severe
Intellectual Disability has met assessment requirements for teaching
in this field.
j. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Special Education –
Visually Impaired has met assessment requirements for teaching in
this field and has demonstrated competency in reading and writing
Braille.
k. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Building Level Administrator has
met all knowledge of field-testing requirements and has three (3)
years of educational experience.
l. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in District Level
Administrator-Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment holds a
certificate as a Building Level Administrator and has met all
knowledge of field-testing requirements.
m. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in District Level Administrator –
Special Education holds a certificate as a Building Level
Administrator, has met all knowledge of field-testing requirements,
and has three (3) years of educational experience in Special
Education.
n. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in School Business Administrator
has at least three (3) years of significant experience as a business
administrator in a non-education context with responsibility in at
least two (2) of the following five (5) areas: financial resource
management, human resource management, facility management, property
acquisition and management, and information management.
o. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Superintendent of Schools has
met all knowledge of field-testing requirements and at least three
(3) years of significant experience as a building administrator or
significant leadership in a non-educational context.
p. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in English as a Second Language
Specialist/Consultant has met all knowledge of field-testing
requirements and has three (3) years teaching experience.
q. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Mathematics
Specialist/Consultant has met all knowledge of field-testing
requirements and has three (3) years teaching experience.
r. An applicant for an Expert
Residency Preliminary Certificate in Reading Specialist/Consultant
has met all knowledge of field-testing requirements and has three (3)
years teaching experience.
1.8.12 Expert Residency —
Shortages Preliminary Certificate
A. The Expert Residency –
Shortages Preliminary Certificate is issued to individuals who hold a
bachelor's degree and have demonstrated subject matter competency in
the shortage area.
1. Duration
The Expert Residency –
Shortages Preliminary Certificate is valid for three (3) years and
may be renewed one (1) time for four (4) years.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant holds a
bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a
minimum GPA of 2.75;
b. The applicant has met
subject matter assessment requirements in the requested area(s);
c. The applicant has provided
evidence of meeting the additional certificate requirements for
specific certification areas;
d. The applicant provides
evidence that the employing agency is requesting issuance on behalf
of the applicant; and
e. The applicant provides
evidence that induction coaching that includes support for planning,
observation, and feedback for a minimum of ninety (90) hours will be
provided by the employing agency.
f. The certificate is valid
only in the requesting employing agency.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The applicant is enrolled
in a preparation program prior to renewal or has an approved
credential review plan if no approved program is available. The
applicant must demonstrate progress in the preparation program at the
time of renewal;
b. The preparation program and
the employing agency recommend renewal based on the educator's
performance in the assignment and progress in the preparation
program;
c. The applicant must provide
evidence of successful participation in an induction program during
the first three (3) years of employment;
d. The applicant has passed
any required pedagogy assessments;
e. The applicant has received
evaluations ratings of Effective or Highly Effective for two (2) of
the three (3) years of employment; and
f. The applicant provides
evidence that the employing agency agrees to continue annual
evaluation during the four (4) year renewal period and ensures a
professional growth plan is in effect focused in areas of growth and
improvement.
g. The applicant is eligible
for full certification only at the completion of seven (7) years of
employment in the requesting district and successful completion of
all requirements for full certification.
4. Certification Areas
a. RIDE will identify shortage
areas at least every five (5) years and seek the approval of the
Council for these identified areas. Potential shortage areas will be
identified based on national trends in annual federal loan
forgiveness, local trends in high needs areas, as well as local areas
of Cultural Competence and School Business Administrator. There is no
fee for certification in shortage areas.
b. Requirements for dependent
certificates apply to the Expert Residency – Shortages
Preliminary Certificate.
c. RIDE will seek approval
from the Council prior to the implementation of the Expert Residency
Cultural Competence Shortages Certificate.
5. Additional Certificate
Requirements
a. For all teacher certificate
areas, the applicant must meet subject matter assessment
requirements.
b. For the area of Cultural
Competence, the applicant must provide evidence that the employing
agency conducted a recruitment and hiring process ensuring the
applicant's dispositions for success and cultural competence.
c. For the area of School
Business Administrator, the applicant must hold a bachelor's degree
or advanced degree from an accredited institution in business
administration, finance, or a related field.
1.8.13 Fast-Track Principal
Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate
A. The Fast-track Principal
Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate may be issued to individuals
who meet eligibility requirements pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
16-11-9 and have met coursework OR assessment requirements.
1. Duration:
The Fast-track Preliminary
Certificate is valid for one (1) year.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant has a minimum
of ten (10) years of experience as a teacher or support professional;
b. The applicant has achieved
evaluation ratings of Highly Effective or Effective;
c. The applicant holds a
master’s degree or higher;
d. The applicant has a record
of consistent leadership within the LEA, demonstrated through serving
as a facilitator of professional learning, dean, district coach,
department chair, or in another leadership position within a school
or LEA; and
e. The applicant has passed
all knowledge of field assessment requirements OR has completed
coursework in school finance, school law, and instructional
leadership/program evaluation inclusive of data analysis.
3. Conditions for Renewals.
a. The applicant has
demonstrated progress towards the completion of certification
requirements for the Fast-track Principal Certificate; and
b. The employing agency
recommends renewal based on performance and progress.
c. The Fast-track Principal
Preliminary Certificate may be renewed up to three (3) times.
1.8.14 Temporary Initial
Educator Preliminary Certificate
A. A Temporary Initial
Educator Preliminary Certificate is issued to an individual who has
completed an approved educator preparation program in another state
or who is certified in another state and is seeking certification in
Rhode Island through reciprocity, but has demonstrated evidence of
three (3) years of effective teaching experience.
B. To be awarded the Temporary
Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate the individual must meet all
of the requirements for the Initial Educator Certificate except for
assessment requirements, including content, knowledge of field, and
pedagogy assessment requirements. If the individual was prepared at
an institution where the language of instruction was not English,
then the individual must also meet the English Language Competency
testing requirements.
1. Duration
The Temporary Initial
Educator Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. RIDE may issue a Temporary
Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate if an applicant has
completed an approved preparation program or is certified in another
state and meets the preparation and eligibility requirements for an
Initial Educator Certificate but has neither taken Rhode Island
required assessments nor presented evidence of passing scores.
b. Once the applicant has met
the requirements for the Initial Educator Certificate, submitted
evidence of meeting the assessment requirement(s), and submitted
payment of the fee for the Initial Educator Certificate, the
certificate will be issued retroactive to the date of the issuance of
the Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate.
c. An applicant can only
receive a Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate once.
3. Conditions for Renewal
This certificate is not
renewable.
4. Certification Areas
All teacher areas, all
administrator areas, and all support professional areas are included.
1.8.15 Visiting Lecturer
Preliminary Certificate
A. The Visiting Lecturer
Preliminary Certificate is issued at the request of an employing
agency to individuals with distinctive qualifications and, therefore,
a unique capacity to enhance educational programs in districts.
1. Duration
The Visiting Lecturer
Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The applicant holds unique
qualifications that supplement school and district programs;
b. An employing agency has
offered the applicant employment;
c. The agency has developed a
program of support to assist the lecturer with academic and classroom
support and an assurance of regular observation, guidance, and
evaluation of the performance of assigned duties; and
d. The certificate is valid
only in the requesting agency.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The employing agency
recommends renewal based on the educator’s performance.
b. The certificate can be
renewed annually.
4. Certification Areas
All Secondary Grade and All
Grade teacher certification areas are included.
1.8.16 Endorsements
Endorsements may be added to
existing valid certificates in recognition of expanded or specialty
area expertise. RIDE does not require specific endorsements for
assignment in public schools, but LEAs may. Renewal requirements do
not apply to endorsements. RIDE will designate endorsement areas and
will publish competencies for the issuance of endorsements. RIDE will
seek approval from the Council prior to the implementation of new
endorsement areas.
1.8.17 Special Provisional
Certificate
A. The Special Provisional
Certificate may be issued to any certified educator holding an
Initial, Professional, or Advanced Educator Certificate who has not
met the required professional learning units.
1. Duration
The Special Provisional
Certificate is valid for one (1) year and is non-renewable.
2. Conditions for Issuance
a. The Special Provisional
Certificate may be issued to an educator holding an Initial,
Professional, or Advanced Educator Certificate when professional
learning renewal requirements have not been met.
b. The Special Provisional
Certificate may only be issued once in an educator's career in Rhode
Island.
3. Conditions for Renewal
a. The Special Provisional
Certificate is not renewable.
b. Upon submission of required
professional learning units at the expiration of the Special
Provisional Certificate, the remaining time will be issued on the
educator's full certificates. Failure to submit required professional
learning units will result in the expiration of all certificates.
1.9 Teacher Certificate Areas
Teacher certification is
offered in subject matter areas and for limited grade ranges that
qualify the teacher for specific assignments in Rhode Island Public
Schools. Certification in most teaching areas requires: a bachelor’s
degree; completion of an approved teacher preparation program that
assures completers demonstrate pedagogical competencies of the Rhode
Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS) and content
competencies prescribed by the appropriate professional association;
field experience that includes a minimum of one (1) year practical
residency or equivalent clinical time for the first (1 st )
certification area and other field requirements for the certification
area; a minimum of sixty (60) hours of field experience prior to or
following the practical residency and passing scores on pedagogy and
subject matter testing required for the certification area. A
certified teacher may be employed for a maximum of twenty percent
(20%) of his/her time in a teacher certificate area and/or at a grade
level for which he/she does not hold a certificate, provided there is
evidence of competence in the subject matter and the Superintendent
and teacher mutually agree to the assignment. Superintendents must
obtain a waiver from the Commissioner and notify the local educator
union prior to requesting the waiver. Waivers will not be approved if
the Commissioner finds the LEA is attempting to use this flexibility
to avoid filling full-time positions.
1.9.1 Early Childhood
Teacher Certificates
A. Early Childhood Education
Teacher, Grades PK-2
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Grades PK-2 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year practical residency or the equivalent in this
certification area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience
prior to or following residency;
d. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate,
RIDE-approved national professional association;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
B. Early Childhood Special
Education Teacher, Birth through Grade 2
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher from
Birth to Grade Two (2) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who hold only
Special Education certification may work in self-contained settings
or may provide services directly to students in general education or
other settings.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Early Childhood Education or has passed the approved content
assessment for early childhood education;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
C. Early Childhood Bilingual
and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades PK-2
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an Early Childhood Bilingual and Dual Language
Education Teacher in Grades PK-2 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Early Childhood Education;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this area;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area; and
h. Has demonstrated
proficiency in the first (1 st ) and second (2 nd )
languages of instruction.
3. Individuals who hold this
certificate may obtain English to Speakers of Other Languages
certification by demonstrating English proficiency and completing
coursework in First and Second Language Acquisition, English
Linguistics and Curriculum, and Assessment and Methods for English
Learners. The Council will review this pathway every five (5) years
for continuing approval.
1.9.2 Elementary Teacher
Certificates
A. Elementary Education
Teacher, Grades 1-6
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an Elementary Education Teacher in Grades One to Six (1
to 6) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
d. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
B. Elementary Special
Education Teacher, Grades 1-6
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as an Elementary Special Education Teacher in Grades
One to Six (1 to 6) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who hold only
Special Education certification may work in self-contained settings
or may provide services directly to students in general education or
other settings.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Elementary Education or has passed the approved content assessment
for elementary education;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has completed coursework in
English Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies and
Science content and methods.
f. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
g. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
h. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
i. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
C. Elementary Bilingual and
Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades 1-6
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an Elementary Bilingual and Dual Language Education
Teacher in Grades One to Six (1 to 6) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Elementary Education;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this area;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area; and
h. Has demonstrated
proficiency in the first (1 st ) and second (2 nd )
language of instruction.
3. Individuals who hold this
certificate may obtain English to Speakers of Other Languages
certification by demonstrating English proficiency and completing
coursework in First and Second Language Acquisition, English
Linguistics and Curriculum, and Assessment and Methods for English
Learners. The Council will review this pathway every five (5) years
for continuing approval.
1.9.3 Middle Grades Teacher
Certificates
A. Educators can attain Middle
Grades Certification in the following three (3) ways:
1. Option 1. Earn a Middle
Grades English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies Certificate,
independent of any other certificate;
2. Option 2. Extend an
Elementary Education Teacher Certificate; or
3. Option 3. Extend a
Secondary Grades Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science,
Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies Certificate.
B. Middle Grades English
Teacher, Grades 5-8
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Middle Grades English Teacher in Grades Five to Eight
(5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Option One: Middle Grades
English Teacher Certification
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
(4) Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by appropriate and RIDE
approved national professional associations;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
b. Option Two: Middle Grades
English Teacher Certification as an extension of an Elementary
Education Certificate
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Elementary Education;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area;
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations with a minimum of
twenty-one (21) semester hours of coursework in English;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all subject matter
testing requirements for this certification area.
c. Option Three: Middle Grades
English Teacher Certification as an extension of a Secondary Grades
English Teacher
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Secondary Grades English;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area;
(5) Has demonstrated the
appropriate RIDE approved national associations pedagogical and
content competencies; and
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment.
C. Middle Grades Mathematics
Teacher, Grades 5-8
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher in Grades Five to
Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Option One: Middle Grades
Mathematics Teacher Certification
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
(4) Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
(5) Has demonstrated
pedagogical and content competencies as prescribed by the appropriate
and RIDE approved national associations
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
b. Option Two: Middle Grades
Mathematics Teacher Certification as an extension of an Elementary
Education Certificate
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Elementary Education;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area;
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national associations with a minimum of twenty-one (21)
semester hours of coursework in mathematics;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all subject matter
testing requirements for this certification area.
c. Option Three: Middle Grades
Mathematics Teacher Certification as an extension of a Secondary
Grades Mathematics Teacher
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Secondary Grades Mathematics;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area;
(5) Has demonstrated the
content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate
and RIDE approved national professional associations; and
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment.
D. Middle Grades Science
Teacher, Grades 5-8
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Middle Grades Science Teacher in Grades Five to Eight
(5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Option One: Middle Grades
Science Teacher Certification
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to and
following residency;
(4) Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
b. Option Two: Middle Grades
Science Teacher Certification as an extension of an Elementary
Education Certificate
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Elementary Education;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area;
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations with a minimum of
twenty-one (21) semester hours of coursework in Science;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all subject matter
testing requirements for this certification area.
c. Option Three: Middle Grades
Science Teacher Certification as an extension of a Secondary Grades
Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Physics Teacher
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Secondary Grades Biology, Chemistry, General Science, or Physics;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area; and
(5) Has demonstrated the
content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate
and RIDE approved national professional associations; and
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment.
E. Middle Grades Social
Studies Teacher, Grades 5-8
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Middle Grades Social Studies Teacher in Grades Five
to Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Option One: Middle Grades
Social Studies Teacher Certification
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
(4) Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
b. Option Two: Middle Grades
Social Studies Teacher Certification as an extension of an Elementary
Education Certificate
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution
(3) Holds certification in
Elementary Education;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area;
(5) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations with a minimum of
twenty-one (21) semester hours of coursework in Social Studies;
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(7) Has met all subject matter
testing requirements for this certification area.
c. Option Three: Middle Grades
Social Studies Certification as an extension of a Secondary Grades
Social Studies Teacher
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
(3) Holds certification in
Secondary Grades Social Studies;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this certification area; and
(5) Has demonstrated the
content and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate
and RIDE approved national associations; and
(6) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment.
F. Middle Grades Special
Education Teacher, Grades 5-8
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Middle Grades Special Education Teacher in Grades
Five to Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
(1) Educators who hold
certification in Elementary Education, Elementary Special Education,
and Middle Grades Education in a content field are also eligible for
assignment as a Middle Grades Special Education Teacher in Grades
Five to Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools without adding
the specific Middle Grades Special Education Teacher Grades Five to
Eight (5 to 8) certification area.
(2) Educators who hold
certification in Secondary Grades certification in a content field,
Secondary Special Education, and Middle Grades Education in a content
field are also eligible for assignment as a Middle Grades Special
Education Teacher in Grades Five to Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island
Public Schools without adding the specific Middle Grades Special
Education Teacher Grades Five to Eight (5 to 8) certification area.
b. Teachers who hold only
Special Education certification may work in self-contained settings
in the content area demonstrated or may provide services directly to
students in general education or other settings in any content area.
2. Requirements
a. Holds certification in
Middle Grades English, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies or has
successfully passed an approved content assessment;
b. Has completed an approved
program in Special Education;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
G. Middle Grades Bilingual and
Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades 5-8
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Middle Grades Bilingual and Dual Language
Education Teacher in Grades Five to Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island
Public Schools.
(1) Educators who hold
certification in Elementary Education, Elementary Bilingual and Dual
Language Education, and Middle Grades Education in a content field
are also eligible for assignment as a Middle Grades Bilingual and
Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades Five to Eight (5 to 8) in
Rhode Island Public Schools without adding the specific Middle Grades
Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher Grades Five to Eight (5
to 8) certification area.
(2) Educators who hold
certification in Secondary Grades certification in a content field,
Secondary Bilingual and Dual Language Education, and Middle Grades
Education in a content field are also eligible for assignment as a
Middle Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades
Five to Eight (5 to 8) in Rhode Island Public Schools without adding
the specific Middle Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education
Teacher Grades Five to Eight (5 to 8) certification area.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Middle Grades English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this area;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area; and
h. Has demonstrated
proficiency in the first (1 st ) and second (2 nd )
language of instruction.
3. Individuals who hold this
certificate may obtain English to Speakers of Other Languages
certification by demonstrating English proficiency and completing
coursework in First and Second Language Acquisition, English
Linguistics and Curriculum, and Assessment and Methods for English
Learners. The Council will review this pathway every five (5) years
for continuing approval.
1.9.4 Secondary Grades
Teacher Certificates
A. Secondary Grades
Agriculture Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Agriculture Teacher in Grades
Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Agriculture or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
B. Secondary Grades Biology
Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Biology Teacher in Grades Seven
to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Biology or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of residency in this area and a minimum of sixty (60)
hours field experience prior to or following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
C. Secondary Grades Business
Education Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Business Education Teacher in
Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Business Education or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional association, the National
Business Education Association (NBEA);
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
D. Secondary Grades Career and
Technical Education Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Career and Technical Education
Teacher in Grades Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in the specific career
and technical education area of certification in Rhode Island Public
Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. If applicable, holds a
valid occupational license/certification in the career and technical
area issued by the appropriate Rhode Island governing body;
c. Holds the appropriate level
of post-secondary education for the CTE area sought as identified by
RIDE;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of residency in this area and a minimum of sixty (60)
hours field experience prior to or following residency. Individuals
who have successfully completed three (3) years of teaching in Rhode
Island while holding a CTE Preliminary Certificate are not required
to complete a residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate
association for the specific career and technical area, when
available;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
h. Has five (5) years of work
experience in the specific career and technical area if holds a high
school diploma. The applicant has three (3) years of work experience
in the career and technical area if the applicant holds an
associate's or bachelor's degree in the career and technical area;
and
i. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
j. Individuals who hold
advanced state issued licenses or advanced industry certificates are
not required to complete subject matter testing requirements.
k. Any work experience or
degree completed more than ten (10) years prior to the date of
application must meet subject matter testing requirements regardless
of other licenses held.
E. Secondary Grades Chemistry
Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Chemistry Teacher in Grades
Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Chemistry or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and
RIDE approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
F. Secondary Grades English
Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades English Teacher in Grades Seven
to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in English or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
G. Secondary Grades General
Science Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades General Science Teacher in
Grades Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Option One:
(1) Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
(2) Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
(3) Has completed a major or
the equivalent in General Science or a closely related field;
(4) Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
(5) Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
(6) Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
(7) Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
(8) Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
b. Option Two
(1) Hold certification in any
two (2) of the other three (3) secondary grades science areas
(Biology, Chemistry, Physics) pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws §
16-11-3.
H. Secondary Grades
Mathematics Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Mathematics Teacher in Grades
Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Mathematics or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
I. Secondary Grades Physics
Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Physics Teacher in Grades Seven
to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Physics or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
J. Secondary Grades Social
Studies Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Social Studies Teacher in Grades
Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools. This
certificate is also valid for teaching secondary history,
anthropology, economics, geography, political science, and sociology.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Social Studies with an emphasis in history or a
closely related field.
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
K. Secondary Grades Special
Education Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Secondary Grades Special Education Teacher in
Grades Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who hold only
Special Education certification may work in self-contained settings
in the content area designated or may provide services directly to
students in general education or other settings in any content area.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Secondary Grades Agriculture, Biology, Business Education, Career and
Technical Education, Chemistry, English, General Science,
Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies or has passed an approved
content assessment;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
L. Secondary Grades Bilingual
and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades 7-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Secondary Grades Bilingual and Dual Language
Education Teacher in Grades Seven to Twelve (7 to 12) in Rhode Island
Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in
Secondary Grades Agriculture, Biology, Business Education, Chemistry,
English, General Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Social Studies;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this area;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area; and
h. Has demonstrated
proficiency in the first (1 st ) and second (2 nd )
language of instruction.
3. Individuals who hold this
certificate may obtain English to Speakers of Other Languages
certification by demonstrating English proficiency and completing
coursework in First and Second Language Acquisition, English
Linguistics and Curriculum, and Assessment and Methods for English
Learners. The Council will review this pathway every five (5) years
for continuing approval.
1.9.5 All Grades Teacher
Certificates
A. All Grades Adapted Physical
Education Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Adapted Physical Education Teacher in
Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in All
Grades Physical Education;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has completed seventy-five
(75) hours of practicum;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
B. All Grades Art Teacher,
Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Art Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Art or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
C. All Grades Dance Teacher,
Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Dance Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Dance or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
D. All Grades Family and
Consumer Science Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Family and Consumer Science Teacher in
Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Family and Consumer Science or a closely related
field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
E. All Grades Health Teacher,
Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Health Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Health or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
F. All Grades Library Media
Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Library Media Teacher in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Library Media or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to and
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
G. All Grades Music Teacher,
Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Music Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Music or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
H. All Grades Physical
Education Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Physical Education Teacher in Grades
PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Physical Education or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
I. All Grades School Nurse
Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades School Nurse Teacher and as a Health
Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a
professional nursing program;
d. Has three (3) years of
documented experience as a professional nurse;
e. Has a current Rhode Island
Nursing License as set forth in the Rhode Island Department of Health
Regulation 216-RICR-40-05-3 ,
Licensing of Nurses and Standards for the Approval of Basic Nursing
Education Programs;
f. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
g. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
h. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
i. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
j. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
J. All Grades Registered
School Nurse, Grades PK-12 Effective 06/01/2019
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Registered School Nurse in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools. Individuals who hold this certificate are not
eligible to serve as teachers of record.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds a bachelor's degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
b. Has completed a
professional nursing program;
c. Has three (3) years of
documented experience as a professional nurse;
d. Has a current Rhode Island
Nursing License as set forth in the Rhode Island Department of Health
Regulation 216-RICR-40-05-3 ,
Licensing of Nurses and Standards for the Approval of Basic Nursing
Education Programs;
e. During the first (1 st )
renewal cycle from Initial to Professional level certification,
individuals must complete professional learning units in school-based
nursing procedures, child and adolescent development, and supports
for student learning needs.
f. Superintendents must submit
verification to RIDE that they were unable to hire a certified School
Nurse Teacher as described in § 1.9.5(I) of this Part, or that
the position does not involve serving as a teacher of record.
K. All Grades Technology
Education Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Technology Education Teacher in Grades
PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Technology Education or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
L. All Grades Theatre Teacher,
Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Theatre Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in Theatre or a closely related field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
M. All Grades World Language
Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades World Language Teacher in a specific
language in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a major or
the equivalent in a specific World Language or a closely related
field;
d. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
e. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
g. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
N. All Grades Special
Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher PK-12 –
American Sign Language
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Special Education – Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Teacher – American Sign Language in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who do not hold
additional certification in a general education area may not serve as
a teacher of record for early childhood, elementary, middle or
secondary classrooms.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
d. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has demonstrated awareness
in Oral/Aural Communication by evidence of three (3) credits in
Oral/Aural Communication. This requirement may be met at
certification issuance or first (1 st ) renewal;
h. Has demonstrated competency
in American Sign Language (ASL); and
i. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
O. All Grades Special
Education – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher PK-12 –
Oral/Aural Communication
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Special Education – Deaf and Hard of
Hearing Teacher – Oral/Aural Communication in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who do not hold
additional certification in a general education area may not serve as
a teacher of record for early childhood, elementary, middle or
secondary classrooms.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
d. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has demonstrated awareness
in American Sign Language (ASL) either by evidence of the RI approved
American Sign Language assessment or three (3) credits in American
Sign Language. This requirement may be met at certification issuance
or first (1 st ) renewal; and
i. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
P. All Grades Special
Education – Visually Impaired Teacher PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Special Education – Visually Impaired
Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who do not hold
additional certification in a general education area may not serve as
a teacher of record for early childhood, elementary, middle or
secondary classrooms.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
d. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has demonstrated competency
in reading and writing Braille; and
h. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
Q. All Grades Special
Education – Severe Intellectual Disability Teacher PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as a Special Education – Severe Intellectual
Disability Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
b. Teachers who do not hold
additional certification in a general education area may not serve as
a teacher of record for early childhood, elementary, middle or
secondary classrooms.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
d. Has demonstrated the
pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional Teaching
Standards (RIPTS);
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
R. All Grades Bilingual and
Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an All Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education
Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification in any
All Grades content area;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from an approved institution;
d. Has completed a minimum of
forty-five (45) hours of practicum in this area;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national associations;
f. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment;
g. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area; and
h. Has demonstrated
proficiency in the first (1 st ) and second (2 nd )
language of instruction.
3. Individuals may obtain
English to Speakers of Other Languages certification by demonstrating
English proficiency and completing coursework in First and Second
Language Acquisition, English Linguistics and Curriculum, and
Assessment and Methods for English Learners. The Council will review
this pathway every five (5) years for continuing approval.
S. All Grades English as a
Second Language Education Teacher, Grades PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
a. This certificate is valid
for assignment as an English as a Second Language Education Teacher
in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools. Educators who hold
this certificate may also teach in English in dual language programs.
(1) NOTE: Educators holding
only the All Grades English as a Second Language Education Teacher,
Grades PK-12 certificate are restricted to providing English Language
development support and may not serve as a teacher of record in early
childhood, elementary, middle level or secondary grades.
b. Individuals who have
previously taught for less than two (2) years in a dual language
program must complete professional learning in the foundations and
implementation of dual language programming as part of their
accumulation of professional learning units (PLUs) for certification
renewal. The Council will review this pathway every five (5) years
for continuing approval.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
one (1) year of practical residency or the equivalent in this area
and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or
following residency;
d. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations;
e. Has demonstrated a deep
understanding of applicable student standards and proficiency in
designing and implementing standards-based instruction and
assessment; and
f. Has met all pedagogy and
subject matter testing requirements for this certification area.
1.10 Administrator Certificate
Areas
A. Administrator certification
is offered in a variety of PK-12 areas that qualify the administrator
for specific assignments in Rhode Island Public Schools.
B. Certification in
administrator areas requires:
1. An advanced degree (except
for school business manager);
2. Completion of an approved
educator preparation program that ensures completers demonstrate the
competencies within the certification field prescribed by the
appropriate professional association;
3. Field experience that
includes a three hundred (300) hour internship for building level
administrators; and
4. Passing scores on any
knowledge of field testing required for the certification area.
1.10.1 Building Level
Administrator Certificates
A. Building Level
Administrator PK-12
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Building Level Administrator in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
a three hundred (300) hour internship in this area;
d. Has three (3) years of
PK-12 professional education experience;
e. Has demonstrated the
professional competencies of the Rhode Island Standards for
Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an emphasis on the content
required of a building level administrator;
f. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations; and
g. Has met all knowledge of
field-testing requirements for this certification area.
B. Building Level
Administrator PK-12 Fast-track (New Section)
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certification is valid
for assignment as a Building Level Administrator in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Eligibility Requirements
pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-9; verified by the employing
agency:
a. Has a minimum of ten (10)
years’ experience as a teacher or support professional;
b. Has achieved evaluation
ratings of Highly Effective or Effective;
c. Holds a master’s
degree or higher;
d. Has a record of consistent
leadership within the LEA, demonstrated through serving as a
facilitator of professional learning, a dean, a district coach, a
department chair, or in another leadership position within a school
or LEA;
e. Has a recommendation from
the superintendent of the LEA where the individual has worked
previously or is currently working.
3. Requirements pursuant to
R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-9:
a. Has completed a year-long,
minimum of three hundred (300) hours, internship where currently
employed. The internship experience is designed by the employing
agency, in accordance to RIDE guidelines, to approximate the
activities of a building administrator. The Superintendent will
evaluate the internship experience according to the Rhode Island
Standards for Educational Leaders and will provide a recommendation
only for educators who demonstrate the competency to successfully
meet the expectations established in the internship;
b. Has led a district or
school-wide initiative;
c. Has completed coursework in
school finance, school law, and instructional leadership/program
evaluation inclusive of data analysis from a regionally accredited
institution;
d. Has met all knowledge of
field-testing requirements for this certification area;
e. During the first (1 st )
renewal cycle, individuals must complete a RIDE-approved leadership
development program.
1.10.2 District Level
Administrator Certificates
A. District Level
Administrator-Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a District Level Administrator-Curriculum, Instruction,
and Assessment in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification as
Building Level Administrator;
b. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
c. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has demonstrated the
professional competencies of the Rhode Island Standards for
Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an emphasis on the content
required of a district level curriculum, instruction, and assessment
administrator;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations; and
f. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
B. District Level
Administrator-Special Education
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a District Level Administrator-Special Education in
Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area; or
b. Has completed nine (9)
graduate level credits in Special Education and has completed
graduate level credits in the following areas: supervision of Special
Education programs and services, supervision of personnel,
supervision of instruction or program evaluation, and school and
district finance;
c. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
d. Has three (3) years of
professional education experience in teaching as a special educator,
speech and language pathologist, school social worker, or school
psychologist;
e. Has demonstrated the
professional competencies of the Rhode Island Standards for
Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an emphasis on the content
required of a district level Special Education Administrator;
f. Has demonstrated content
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
g. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
C. School Business
Administrator
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a School Business Administrator in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a bachelor’s
degree in business administration, finance, or a related field;
c. Three (3) years of
professional experience in financial management or school business
operations;
d. Has demonstrated the
professional competencies of the Rhode Island Standards for
Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an emphasis on the content
required of a school business administrator; and
e. Has demonstrated content
competencies as prescribed by the Association of School Business
Officials International (ASBO).
D. Superintendent of Schools
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Superintendent of Schools in Grades PK-12 in Rhode
Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Holds building level
administrator certificate or has significant leadership experience in
organizations other than schools;
d. Has demonstrated the
professional competencies of the Rhode Island Standards for
Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an emphasis on the content
required of a superintendent of schools;
e. Has demonstrated content
and pedagogical competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE
approved national professional associations; and
f. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
1.11 Support Professional
Certificate Areas
A. Support Professional
certification is offered in specific fields and for specific grade
ranges that qualify the support professional for specific assignments
in Rhode Island Public Schools.
B. Certification in support
professional areas requires:
1. An advanced degree;
2. Completion of an approved
educator preparation program that assures completers demonstrate the
competencies within the certification field prescribed by the
appropriate professional association;
3. Field experience that
includes a minimum of a three hundred (300) hour internship for
instructional leaders, specialists/consultants, and school counselor
certification areas; and
4. Passing scores on any
knowledge of field testing required for the certification area.
1.11.1 Instructional
Certificates
A. Instructional Leader
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an Instructional Leader in grades PK-12 in Rhode Island
Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification as a
Rhode Island teacher or support professional;
b. Has three (3) years of
teaching experience;
c. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
d. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
e. Has completed a minimum of
three hundred (300) hours of internship in this area; and
f. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations.
1.11.2 Related Service
Providers
A. School Counselor
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a School Counselor in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island
Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has completed a minimum of
three hundred (300) hours of internship in this area;
d. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
e. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
B. School Psychologist
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a School Psychologist in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island
Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds an advanced degree in
school psychology from a regionally accredited institution;
c. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
d. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
C. School Social Worker
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a School Social Worker in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island
Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds a master’s
degree in social work;
c. Currently holds a clinical
social worker license issued by the Rhode Island Board of
Registration for Social Workers;
d. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
e. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
D. Speech and Language
Pathologist
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Speech and Language Pathologist in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
b. Holds an advanced degree in
Speech and Language Pathology from a regionally accredited
institution;
c. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
d. Has met all knowledge of
field-testing requirements for this certification area.
1.11.3 Specialists/Consultants
A. English as a Second
Language Specialist/Consultant
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as an English as a Second Language Specialist/Consultant
in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification as a
Rhode Island teacher;
b. Has three (3) years of
teaching experience;
c. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
d. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
e. Has completed a minimum of
three hundred (300) hours of internship in this area;
f. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
g. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area
B. Mathematics
Specialist/Consultant
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Mathematics Specialist/Consultant in Grades PK-8 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification as a
Rhode Island teacher;
b. Has three (3) years of
teaching experience;
c. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
d. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
e. Has completed a minimum of
three hundred (300) hours of internship in this area;
f. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
g. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
C. Reading
Specialist/Consultant
1. Validity of Certificate:
This certificate is valid for
assignment as a Reading Specialist/Consultant in Grades PK-12 in
Rhode Island Public Schools.
2. Requirements:
a. Holds certification as a
Rhode Island teacher;
b. Has three (3) years of
teaching experience;
c. Has completed an approved
program in this certification area;
d. Holds an advanced degree
from a regionally accredited institution;
e. Has completed a minimum of
three hundred (300) hours of internship in this area;
f. Has demonstrated field
competencies as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national
professional associations; and
g. Has met all knowledge of
field testing requirements for this certification area.
1.12 Substitute Teachers and
Athletic Coaches
A. The following requirements
apply to substitute teachers and athletic coaches.
1. Athletic Coach
a. Successfully complete a
First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course prior to
employment as a coach; and
b. Meet all additional
requirements of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.
2. Day to Day Substitute
Teacher
a. An individual who is
employed, on a temporary basis, for fewer than forty-five (45) days
in the same assignment.
b. Individuals must hold:
(1) A bachelor’s degree
or higher from a regionally accredited college or university; or
(2) An associate's degree from
a regionally accredited college or university; or
(3) A minimum of two (2) years
college completion on track to a four (4) year degree.
c. Substitutes for School
Nurse Teacher must hold a license as a Registered Nurse.
3. Substitute
Teacher-Long-term
a. An individual who is
employed, on a temporary basis, for more than forty-five (45)
consecutive days in the same assignment must hold an appropriate
certificate for the assignment.
1.13 Adding New Certificate Areas
A. Teachers who hold Secondary
Grades certification in one (1) area can add certification in another
secondary area by demonstrating competency in the content area by
holding a major or the equivalent in the area and passing the subject
matter examination in the new area. Teachers who are certified in one
(1) science area and who want to add a second (2 nd )
science area can demonstrate competency in the new area with a
minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of coursework and passing the
subject matter examination in the new area.
B. Teachers who hold All
Grades certification in one (1) World Language can add certification
in another World Language by demonstrating competency in the new area
with a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of coursework and passing
the subject matter examination in the new area.
C. The addition of new
certification areas in all other circumstances requires educators to
complete approved programs of study that are based on the new
knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of these Regulations
for the new area of certification. Preparation programs shall tailor
program expectations to acknowledge the commonalities across related
certification areas and only require that the candidates develop and
demonstrate the additional knowledge and skills required for the new
certification area. In certification areas for which there is no
approved Rhode Island educator preparation program, RIDE will review
an applicant’s preparation and readiness for certification
through the credential review process.
1.14 Reinstatement
A. Certificates can be
reinstated for two (2) reasons:
1. Reinstatement for
certificate expiration; and
2. Reinstatement for
performance-related non-renewed certifications. Individuals seeking
to reinstate certifications due to active duty while in the United
States Military shall renew their certifications as outlined in R.I.
Gen. Laws § 30-20-1.
B. Reinstatement for
Certificate Expiration
1. An educator who has met all
requirements for certificate renewal, but did not renew the
certificate(s) prior to its expiration date is eligible to reinstate
the certificate(s) for up to one (1) year without completing any
additional requirements. A reinstatement fee will be applied to the
application.
2. If one (1) year up to ten
(10) years has lapsed since the expiration of the certificate(s), the
educator must take and pass current Rhode Island certificate
assessments, if not previously passed, to ensure currency in the
field. A reinstatement fee will be applied to the application.
3. If more than ten (10) years
has elapsed since the expiration of the certificate(s), the educator
must reapply for and meet requirements for an initial certificate,
including meeting all competency and assessment requirements as part
of an approved program or credential review.
4. Requirements for
reinstatement:
a. Complete a reinstatement
application;
b. Submit all documentation
necessary to demonstrate conditions for reinstatement have been met;
and
c. Submit a reinstatement
application, reinstatement fee, and the appropriate certificate fees.
d. RIDE will review the
request for reinstatement and will make a determination based upon
the evidence submitted.
1.15 Appeals
All decisions regarding
certification under this Part may be appealed to the Director of the
Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services. Decisions
of the Director may be appealed to the Commissioner of Education for
hearing pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-1.
1.16 Ongoing Review of
Certification Regulations
RIDE will review application
processes, certification requirements, certification routes, types,
and areas, and certification policy on a periodic basis and bring
recommendations for changes to the Council to assure that this Part
remains current and continues to respond to the changing needs of
Rhode Island Schools and School Districts.