Section 200-RICR-20-20-6.3 - RequirementsA. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11.4-6(b), by September 1, 2025, and each subsequent year, teachers employed in Rhode Island public schools must demonstrate proficiency or awareness in the knowledge and practices in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy instruction.B. A teacher's current teaching role determines the need for either proficiency or awareness training. 1. The following teacher roles require proficiency training: General Education-Early Childhood and Elementary; Special Education-Early Childhood, Elementary Grades, Middle Grades, and Secondary Grades; ESOL Teacher and ESOL Specialist/Consultant; Bilingual/Dual Language; Reading Specialist/Consultant; Reading Coach.2. The following teacher roles require awareness training: Middle Grades-English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies; Secondary Grades-English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Business Education, Career amp; Technical Education; All Grades-Art, Dance, Family Consumer Science, Health, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Theater, Library Media Studies, School Nurse, and World Language.C. By May 2025, a person who completes a state-approved Educator Preparation Program in Early Childhood, Elementary, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Special Education, Middle Grades Special Education, Secondary Grades Special Education, ESOL, Bilingual/Dual Language, or Reading Specialist must meet proficiency requirements.D. By May 2025, a person who completes a state-approved Educator Preparation Program in Middle Grades: English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies; Secondary Grades: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Business Education or Career amp; Technical Education; and All Grades: Art, Dance, Family Consumer Science, Health, Music, Physical Education, Technology, Theater, Library Media Studies, School Nurse or a World Language must meet awareness requirements.E. Out-of-state teachers will have one (1) year from date of appointment to meet proficiency or awareness requirements. 1. Any educator from another state who participates in a Rhode Island Department of Education-approved proficiency training program that extends beyond one (1) year may complete the requirement within two (2) years.F. Teachers working in roles that require awareness and move to a role requiring proficiency will have one (1) year from date of appointment to meet proficiency requirements. 1. Any teacher whose role changes and participates in a RIDE approved proficiency training that extends beyond one (1) year may complete the requirement within two (2) years.G. Teachers working on a preliminary certification will work toward meeting proficiency and awareness requirements while working under preliminary certification.6.3.1Meeting RequirementsA. Teachers demonstrate proficiency expectations pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11.4-6(l).B. Teachers demonstrate awareness expectations pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11.4-6(l).C. By August 15, 2025, pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11.4-6(g), if a teacher does not meet proficiency or awareness requirements, LEAs may not place that teacher in a role requiring proficiency or awareness pursuant and must do one of the following: 1. Grant teachers who were unable to complete proficiency training due to extenuating circumstances one (1) additional year to do so and remain in a position requiring proficiency.2. Follow applicable laws and regulations to ensure the proper assignment of personnel.200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-20-6.3
Adopted effective 7/31/2023