The mission of the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (RIDE) is "to lead and support schools and communities in ensuring that all students achieve at the high levels needed to lead fulfilling and productive lives, to compete in academic and employment settings, and to contribute to society."

RIDE provides leadership and support to the state’s education community through its 10 offices: Adult Education, Assessment & Accountability, Educator Quality and Certification, Finance, Instruction, Middle & High School Reform, Network & Information Systems, Progressive Support and Intervention, Special Populations, and the Office of the Commissioner. These offices work in consort to advocate for a coherent public policy on education, to enhance local capacity to improve teaching and learning, to sustain an effective accountability system, and to build innovative partnerships that create positive change.