Rhode Island
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Updated 2025
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
Yes
The Rhode Island Right to Read Act requires teacher training in scientifically-based literacy instruction and Structured Literacy to the level of “proficiency” for elementary and special educators and to the level of “awareness” for all other educators.
Information and guidance documents on this legislation can be found on the RIDE Right to Read Act landing page.
The page includes approved training programs for in-service educators, as well as resources and guidance to support the aligned requirements for Educator Preparation Programs.
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
Yes. Information on RIDE’s Approved List of High Quality Curriculum Materials can be found on the Curriculum landing page.
Of note: RIDE has been working with and providing professional learning opportunities for RI Educator Preparation Providers to ensure Syllabi Revision/Alignment includes opportunities for teacher candidates to understand and know how to use HQCM.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
No, the list was developed in accordance with EdReports. However, RIDE has a foundational skills review tool that can be used by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) during their review to ensure the foundational skills of their High-Quality Curriculum is aligned with the science of reading.
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
At this time, RIDE does not have early screening guidance. We do have a Literacy Screening Guide, Skills to Assess for Early Identification of Reading Difficulties.
Of note: we do have a specific K-2 Screener Guidance for our CLSD: RI READS Grantees.
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
The SPDG Cadre of Coaches will facilitate effective MTSS and data meetings to ensure efficiency and efficacy for using assessments and data to drive positive student literacy outcomes.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Yes, RIDE’s MTSS resources are curated on BRIDGE-RI, the home of MTSS Rhode Island. Courses can be taken at no cost and provide an overview of MTSS and its components and includes courses on evidence-based reading instruction, the Science of Reading, writing, and Structured Literacy.
MTSS: MTSSRI.ORG
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development
Yes
In accordance with the Right to Read Act, elementary educators, special educators, and specialists are required to complete proficiency level training. Approved courses can be found at the bottom of the Right ot Read Act website. All other educators are required to take awareness courses. These courses are offered at no cost on BRIDGE-RI.
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Literacy Learning Laboratory is designed to assist and promote training for educators, families, and caregivers to better understand the characteristics of evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia, related disorders, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable
RIDE was awarded 40 million dollars for a NEW Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant from the US Department of Education in September 2024. Rhode Island’s CLSD: RI READS Goals include:
Rhode Island Reads Coaching Corps
- Every subgrantee will work with a state-endorsed coach to improve the quality of literacy instruction.
Educators Preparation Provider Partnerships
- Every subgrantee will develop a cooperative agreement with an Educator Preparation Provider to implement high quality literacy instruction with preservice and practicing educators with the goal of aligning a vision for literacy instruction from Birth-PK12.
- By 2028, Educator Preparation Providers ( teachers & leaders) will prepare all graduates to demonstrate proficiency in HQCM Competencies.
Reimagining Systems: Coherent and Aligned Instruction Across Tiers
- Every subgrantee will reimagine systems to deliver coherent and aligned instruction across tiers I, II, III for all students
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
No
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
The RIDE Games to Support Early Literacy Skills resource was developed as a resource for families to use to develop early literacy and language skills.
The SPDG partners with RIPIN to provide family trainings related to literacy and to develop ongoing resources related to literacy and Dyslexia. Link to RIPIN’s Dyslexia and Reading Literacy Toolkit.
Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?
The RIDE Science of Reading and Structured Literacy Awareness Courses were developed with secondary educators in mind. These five modules cover an overview of the Science of Reading and knowledge and resources pertaining to word recognition, language comprehension, writing, and developing a system to support evidence-aligned instruction.
More information can be found on the Awareness course landing page.
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners?
MLL Proficiency & Awareness – per regulation, RI teachers, administrators and other personnel employed in Rhode Island schools must demonstrate proficiency or awareness according to their role.
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
Beginning May 2025, ALL graduates from RI EPPs have met awareness/proficiency expectations.
RIDE is working to incorporate the Right to Read Act’s expectations within the Prep-RI process
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading
The RIDE Structured Literacy website
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work:
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.
