Secondary Teacher Preparation: Rhode Island

Analysis of Rhode Island's policies

Rhode Island does not require secondary teachers to pass content tests. 

Recommendations for Rhode Island

Require subject-matter testing for secondary teacher candidates.
As a condition of licensure, Rhode Island should require its secondary teacher candidates to pass a content test in each subject area they plan to teach to ensure that they possess adequate subject-matter knowledge and are prepared to teach grade-level content. While a degree—even an advanced degree—may be generally indicative of background in a particular subject area, only a subject-matter test ensures that teachers know the specific content they will need to teach.

Require subject-matter testing when adding subject-area endorsements.
Rhode Island should require passing scores on subject-specific content tests, regardless of other coursework or degree requirements, for teachers who are licensed in core secondary subjects and wish to add another subject area, or endorsement, to their licenses.

State response to our analysis

Rhode Island recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state added that it has been working toward meeting this goal for a couple of years, and that it is part of the proposed changes in the new certification regulations. If the new regulations are adopted by the Board of Regents, all teachers will be required to pass subject-matter tests. 

Last word

NCTQ looks forward to reviewing the state's progress in future editions of the Yearbook.