Rhode Island Schools Set New Rules | Providence News

Providence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 26, 2026 · 1m

Rhode Island kicks off the school year with bold new rules: no phones or smartwatches in classrooms to boost focus, reduce stress, and close the achievement gap—backed by data showing consistent attendance is key to academic and mental health success. Teachers are getting science-of-reading training, Math Matters is rolling, and the state’s climbing national rankings—plus new aviation programs and expanded career pathways. Providence schools return to local control, with the commissioner stressing statewide success and tackling teacher shortages in special ed and STEM. AI isn’t banned—it’s…