Rhode Island Schools

    Rhode Island was ranked 16 out of 50 for the 2005-06 in the “Smartest State” rankings, based off of Morgan Quinto’s annual reference guide “Education State Rankings 2005-06.” Quinto rated each state on 21 positive and negative factors—removing spending per student from the consideration and focusing more on student performance and personal attention from teachers.

Rhode Island is in line with the rest of the country, in the 2006 testing season, seeing SAT scores drop this year. Every state testing more than 25% of its students (Rhode Island tested about 60% of its seniors) saw a drop in test scores. However, more students were taking and passing Advanced Placement tests—some of which provide college credit. About 7% more students were taking AP classes and tests than the 2004-05 school year.

As a whole, Rhode Island met all of its No Child Left Behind requirements during 2006. All of the major factors—test scores, participation, attendance, and graduation rate—were well above the minimum requirements. Six schools raised themselves out of the warning categories to meet projection and avoid sanctions.

Rhode Island budgeted $706 million for education in the 2006-07 school year. This will result in a per student spending average of over $10,000. In addition, the state will receive $627 million in federal aid from the No Child Left Behind act.

For more information on a particular school or district, visit Rhode Island’s Department of Education website at http://www.ridoe.net.