Logo_Final

August 24, 2011

Header 1
Article1
Rhode Islanders celebrate first anniversary of Race to the Top
Race to the Top first anniversary

Addressing Race to the Top supporters today were (l to r): Colleen B. Jermain, co-chair of the Race to the Top Steering Committee; George D. Caruolo, Chairman of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education; Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed; Speaker of the House Gordon D. Fox; Congressman David Cicilline; Deborah A. Gist, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; and David M. Hirsch, Chairman of The Rhode Island Foundation.

Rhode Island educators, government and business leaders, and other community members gathered today at The Rhode Island Foundation to celebrate the first anniversary of the Race to the Top grant.

One year ago today, the U.S. Department of Education recognized the excellence of Rhode Island's strategic plan for transforming education and awarded the state $75 million to advance student achievement and close achievement gaps.
RTTT cake

Education Commissioner Gist and Steering Committee Co-Chair Jermain cut the cake as Senate President Paiva Weed and Congressman Cicilline applaud the one-year anniversary.

At a news conference this morning, many government and education leaders reflected on the significance of Race to the Top for Rhode Island.

 Accomplishments during Year One of Race to the Top include:
  • Collaboration between RIDE and every school district to prepare budgets and four-year plans for use of Race to the Top funds;
  • Training nearly 2,500 teachers from 19 school districts to prepare them to use the new Common Core State Standards; and
  • Training nearly 600 educators and 85 principals to prepare them to implement the new educator-evaluation system across the state

In Year Two of Race to the Top, several new initiatives will get under way, including:

  • Launching teacher-induction programs to support Rhode Island
         beginning teachers;
  • Beginning intensive curriculum work in English and mathematics in 11 school districts;
  • Implementing annual evaluations of every teacher and principal; and
  • Developing new opportunities for students to use technology to engage in virtual learning.

"We believe that education is the critical factor in determining the course of Rhode Island's - and the nation's - future. America's fundamental social contract demands that students and educators deserve a strong and vibrant system of public education," concluded David M. Hirsch, Chairman of The Rhode Island Foundation.
 
Learn more about how Rhode Island is using Race to the Top funds.

QUICK LINKS:

Visit Us on Facebook