Ocean State Today

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Rhode Island secured the forty-second position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 60%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Rhode Island scored a 50% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 62%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Rhode Island earned an 82%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Dropping 10 spots in the rankings, the only aspect of parent power that saved Rhode Island from falling any further was its commitment to programs that transform the education process for students, including some districts that measure students based on competency not subject grades. Without that, the Ocean State would hit rock bottom," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Dan McKee, once celebrated as the father of mayoral charter schools, has not upheld his reputation in his current role. Instead, his education initiatives have been limited to increasing options in the traditional settings. The Governor may need to start hearing from constituents to attempt to move the state forward from its current status quo focus," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”