Racial and Ethnic Disparities in K-16 Education in Rhode Island


The diversity of Rhode Island is an asset; however, there are wide, persistent, and unacceptable disparities in education by race and ethnicity. Our Issue Brief outlines the root causes of racial and ethnic disparities in education, and incorporates Rhode Island data across educational indicators and outcomes. Policy and community solutions to address these persistent racial and ethnic disparities are presented. Please see the media release and full publication, as well as coverage in Providence Business News, Boston Globe, and NBC 10.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal, Infant, and Young Children’s Health in Rhode Island


Pregnancy is the beginning of development for a child. Maternal health before, during, and after pregnancy impacts the overall health and well-being of a child in both the short and long-term. Currently, there is a maternal health crisis both nationally and in Rhode Island.

  • Beyond that, there are unacceptable and persistent disparities in maternal, infant, and child health outcomes by race and ethnicity that disproportionally impact Black, Indigenous, People of Color women and children. Addressing these disparities will require a focus on the important connection between birthing parents and their babies and focus on the health and well-being of both individuals.
  • Our Issue Brief clearly outlines where disparities exist, the root causes of these disparities, and the steps we need to take to address this legacy of inequity. Please see the media release, full publication, and release event recording; as well as coverage on NBC 10, The Public's Radio, Uprise RI, RI News Today, and Providence Business News.

Multilingual Learners in Rhode Island 


Multilingual Learners in Rhode Island provides an overview of educational outcomes for Rhode Island's MLL students, as well as promising practices and policies to best support their success. 

  • During the 2020-2021 school year, there were 15,107 Multilingual Learner (MLL) students in Rhode Island, representing 11% of all students in grades Pre-K through 12. In Rhode Island, the number of MLL/EL students nearly doubled from the 2009-2010 to 2020-2021 school year. 
  • MLL students are best taught through an asset-based approach that supports their linguistic capabilities, celebrates the rich culture they bring to the classroom through materials that reflect their identities and experiences, and creates a culture where their multilingualism is viewed as a strength and educators expect success. 
  • Please see the media release, the release event recording, and coverage on RI Latino News.
  • La traducción al español para el evento de lanzamiento de 'Estudiantes multilingües en Rhode Island' está disponible. ¡Vea el evento de lanzamiento aquí!

Rhode Island KIDS COUNT is a statewide children’s policy organization that works to improve the health, economic well-being, safety, education, and development of Rhode Island children with a core focus on equity. | www.rikidscount.org

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