R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11.4-1

The general assembly recognizes that teaching and the rendering of other professional educational services in the pre-kindergarten through grade twelve (12) of public schools in this state affect the public interest. The general assembly further recognizes the importance of governing the preparation, licensure, and regulation of public school teachers and administrators through policies for teacher and administrator certification that maintain the highest professional standards and that are promulgated by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education with full input from those practicing in the profession.