Secondary Teacher Preparation in Science:
Rhode Island

Analysis of Rhode Island's policies

Rhode Island offers secondary certification in general science. Candidates must earn a total of 30 semester hours, with at least six semester hours each in biology, physics and chemistry. However, they are not required to pass a content test. Although the state has indicated that teachers with certification in general science cannot teach biology, chemistry or physics, its certification requirements place no articulated restrictions or limitations on the usage of this certificate. 

Middle school science teachers in Rhode Island must earn a middle school science endorsement. In addition to either an elementary or secondary certificate, candidates must also have either 21 credits in science (to include coursework in at least three of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, earth/space science, environmental sciences and technology science) and pass the Praxis II "Middle School Science" test, or earn a major in the content area.

Further, current state policy allows a teacher with a K-8 license to teach grades 7 and 8, if they are "organized on the elementary school plan." Rhode Island has indicated, however, that there are no longer any such schools, although the policy does remain on the books.

Citation

Secondary Certificate Requirements http://www.ride.ri.gov/EducatorQuality/Certification/Certreqs.aspx Middle School Endorsement http://www.ride.ri.gov/EducatorQuality/Certification/Certreqs.aspx Praxis Testing Requirements www.ets.org

Recommendations for Rhode Island

Require secondary science teachers to pass tests of content knowledge for each science discipline they intend to teach.
Although coursework plays a key role in teachers' acquisition of content knowledge, it should be accompanied by the requirement of an assessment, which is the only way to ensure that teachers possess adequate knowledge of the subject area.

Require middle school science teachers to pass a test of content knowledge that ensures sufficient knowledge of science.
Although coursework plays a key role in teachers' acquisition of content knowledge, program completion should not replace the requirement of an assessment, which is the only way to ensure that teachers possess adequate knowledge of the subject area. While a major is generally indicative of a background in a particular subject area, only a subject-matter test ensures that candidates know the specific content they will need to teach.

State response to our analysis

Rhode Island asserted that it does not issue a K-8 license. The elementary license is for grades 1-6. 

Rhode Island also contended that state law and regulations do not allow for out-of-area teaching and that each certificate is valid only in the area issued. The state noted that its regulations for general science clearly state that secondary certificates are for special content areas: "In the same way an English teacher can't teach math or a Spanish teacher can't teach French because they are different certificates, a general science teacher can't teach biology. The biology certificate is required to teach biology, physics is required for physics, etc."  

Further, Rhode Island pointed out that a district would be notified that a teacher was out of area if a general science certified teacher was assigned to a biology section, asserting: "It is very clear to our districts and is reflected in emergency requests when a physics teacher can't be found." Additionally, secondary teachers must be highly qualified in core content areas, which means that a biology teacher must be HQT in biology, not general science. The state also requires a content major for each science area. 

Last word

NCTQ is unable to find policy that limits teachers with a general science certificate to teaching only general science courses. Rather than rely on assumed common understandings regarding which courses a teacher with a general science certificate may or may not teach, Rhode Island should articulate specific policy ensuring that all science teachers are required to pass a subject-specific content test for each area they plan to teach.