RIDE Secures $3.68 Million Federal Grant to Strengthen Special Education Across Rhode Island

Published on Friday, September 04, 2026

Five-year award will support the Rhode Island Special Education (RISE) Initiative and expand pathways for special educators to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, statewide

SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 | PROVIDENCE, RI - Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced that Rhode Island has been awarded a five-year, $3.68 million federal State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) from the U.S. Department of Education to support the Rhode Island Special Education (RISE) Initiative, a statewide effort to strengthen special education services and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

The federal grant includes an initial award of $557,582 for the first year, with continued federal funding anticipated through September 2031 based on annual appropriations and project performance.

"Every child deserves the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, and that starts with ensuring our schools have highly qualified special educators to meet students' needs," said Governor Dan McKee. "This federal funding will help Rhode Island strengthen and expand pathways into the special education profession, support the educators who are already serving our students, and build a stronger workforce to ensure all learners can thrive."

"Rhode Island's special educators play an essential role in helping students with disabilities succeed, and we must continue investing in the workforce that makes that possible," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "This significant federal investment will help us expand pathways into the special education profession, strengthen support for current educators, and ensure schools have the skilled personnel needed to provide high-quality services to students across our state."

"This award reflects Rhode Island's continued dedication to innovative, student-centered approaches in special education," said Council on Elementary and Secondary Education Chair Patti DiCenso. "The RISE Initiative will help educators access the tools, training, and support they need to improve outcomes for students and create stronger systems of support statewide."

"We commend RIDE for securing critical resources that will help address one of the most pressing challenges facing schools today: ensuring we have a strong pipeline of highly qualified special educators," said Rhode Island Board of Education Chair Michael Grey. "This investment will help expand pathways into the profession, strengthen support for current educators, and ensure students with disabilities have access to the services they need to succeed."

Authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the SPDG program supports state-led initiatives that improve outcomes for children and youth with disabilities through professional learning, systems improvement, and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

Through the Rhode Island Special Education (RISE) Initiative, RIDE will partner with educators, school leaders, families, and community organizations to strengthen instructional supports, build educator capacity, and enhance services for students with disabilities across the state.

This award represents an important investment in strengthening Rhode Island's educator workforce and improving outcomes for all students. Over the coming years, the grant will support the development and expansion of innovative educator preparation pathways, including registered apprenticeship for special educators, enhanced professional learning focused on High-Leverage Practices, and stronger partnerships among educator preparation programs, school districts, and community organizations.

RIDE, in partnership with Rhode Island College (RIC), Cranston Public School District, and Narragansett School System, will expand upon an existing model for a registered apprenticeship pathway in special education creating a sustainable Grow Your Own pipeline of future educators. The apprenticeship model will provide participants with paid employment, structured on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, and comprehensive mentoring, coaching, and advising support while they complete degree and certification requirements.

Through the preparation of highly qualified special educators equipped with evidence-based and high-leverage practices, Rhode Island will increase its capacity to provide high-quality services to DAS, reduce reliance on preliminary certificates, and improve educational outcomes for DAS. Ultimately, the project represents an investment not only in RI's educator workforce, but in the long-term success of DAS, their families, and the communities they serve.

What they are saying:

"This investment will help Rhode Island build a stronger pipeline of special educators by creating clearer, more accessible pathways into the profession," said Shannon Gilkey, Commissioner of Postsecondary Education. "Rhode Island College is a critical partner in that work, and this initiative will strengthen the connection between higher education, school districts, and the workforce so more Rhode Islanders can prepare for meaningful careers in our schools."

"By securing this crucial federal funding, the Rhode Island Department of Education is doubling down on its commitment to ensure that every Rhode Island student has the resources to learn and succeed according to their specific needs," said Dr. Jack R. Warner, President of Rhode Island College. "Rhode Island College is proud to partner with RIDE to meet the state's growing need for special educators through a registered apprenticeship pathway that helps school districts develop their own talent and enables educators to earn while they learn."

"Our district public schools have the privilege of fulfilling the promise of a quality education to students of every ability," said National Education Association Rhode Island Executive Director Mary Barden. "The RISE Initiative will provide our educators with more of the resources necessary to help special education students reach their full potential."

"Rhode Island's students deserve access to qualified, supported, and well-prepared educators, and this federal grant is an important step toward making that a reality," said Maribeth Calabro, President of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals. "By investing in educator preparation, mentorship, and workforce development, the RISE Initiative will help address ongoing shortages in special education while creating stronger opportunities for individuals entering the profession."

"Special education succeeds when schools, districts, towns, the State, and the Federal government all work together," said Sam Salganik, Executive Director of RIPIN. "We are thrilled that RIDE has pursued and secured this federal investment to support the dedicated special educators who help students with disabilities thrive."

"Strengthening the early childhood and special education workforce is essential to supporting children's healthy development," said Kristin Sousa, Director of Rhode Island Medicaid. "Early Intervention providers play a critical role in identifying needs early and setting children on a path toward long-term success. By expanding high-quality preparation pathways, this grant will help ensure families across our state have access to skilled professionals who can deliver the individualized supports children deserve."

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