RI gets "F" in teacher quality study

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island is one of only 5 states to receive a faling grade, in a nationwide review of teacher quality.

The report from the National Council on Teacher Quality criticizes Rhode Island for failing to remove bad teachers, and failing to retain effective ones.

The report goes on to say Rhode Island needs to improve teacher contract issues, including ensuring the pension system is fair and neutral, and laying out consequences for bad teachers.

According to the study, only two states, Iowa and New Mexico, require evidence that teachers are effective, before granting tenure. However, the highest marks went to South Carolina, which was given a B- for doing the best job removing bad teachers.

All other states received a C or worse. The only states besides Rhode Island to receive an F were Maine, New Hampshire, Montana, and Vermont.

The District of Columbia was also given a failing grade. The national average was a D+.