Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
As part of efforts to address the youth mental health crisis and improve student attendance, Rhode Island officials have announced a new partnership focused on supporting students’ well-being. Governor Dan McKee, Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and Dr. Margaret Paccione-Dyszlewski from Bradley Hospital introduced the initiative, which aligns with the Attendance Matters RI campaign.
Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% of school days or about 18 days in a school year—has been identified as a priority issue. The goal is to enhance academic achievement across the state by addressing barriers to regular attendance.
“In Rhode Island, we understand the impact of student mental health on attendance and learning,” said Governor McKee. “This work is not only an investment in our students’ immediate well-being; it’s also an investment in their future success, and in line with our administration’s RI 2030 plan.”
Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that nearly one-third of Rhode Island middle and high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless over a two-week period, which affected their usual activities.
“RIDE aims to ensure that all students, and their families, receive appropriate support, especially those at higher risk of absenteeism due to mental health challenges,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Every student deserves a shot at success. With initiatives like this one that strengthen student support systems, Rhode Island is building a foundation for healthier students who can thrive in their academic career, and beyond.”
The partnership will be funded by a $154,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education and will focus on up to 27 high-need local education agencies in Rhode Island. Through collaboration with Bradley Hospital, the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) will offer professional learning opportunities for educators as well as technical assistance, coaching, and resources aimed at implementing evidence-based mental health strategies.
“At Bradley, our focus is to provide trauma-informed and family-centered behavioral healthcare for children and adolescents,” said Dr. Margaret Paccione-Dyszlewski, Director of Clinical Innovation for Bradley Hospital. “Bradley and RIDE have been working closely together for many years. This new partnership with RIDE is well aligned with our mutual commitment to improving the health status of our community through behavioral health professional development and consultation.”
Rhode Island was selected as one of 22 states awarded funding through the 2024 Stronger Connections Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Program run by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
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