February 13, 2001

A meeting of the Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education was held at the Shepard Building, 255 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903 and convened at 5:00 p.m. in room 501.

Present:

Chairman DiPrete,  Mr. Canavan, Mr. Mancieri, Ms. Duff, and Ms. Callahan.

Review and Discussion of Rhode Island High School Summit Report

Deputy Commissioner Todd Flaherty gave the group an historical review of the Summit and follow-up report, including the work of the internal planning group, the pre-summit meetings, and the work and recommendations from the Summit participants. Dr. Flaherty then reviewed working documents.

Dr. Dennis Check described, in detail, the eight major areas for transforming Rhode Island high schools as recommended:

(A complete description of the eight areas is attached).

The report has incorporated all of the suggested changes received thus far and will be distributed to Summit participants for review.

Chairman DiPrete suggested a Regent sub-committee be appointed that would review the recommendations and develop a plan for re-structuring high schools that "makes sense."

The group then discussed issues related to high school graduation requirements; if there is a statewide consensus for change, i.e. do educators, parents, business, etc. really want to change and will support change.

Regent Callahan expressed her support of the recommendations outlined in the report emphasizing that local schools and districts are indicating that they recognize that change is needed.  However, Ms. Callahan also emphasized to Board members that schools need a guide on how to change; that the Regents will need to "paint them a picture" of what to change and how to do it.

Representative Crowley talked to the group about the importance of "schools leaders" and schools needing to have high expectations, especially in the areas of reading and writing.  He urged the Board to be prescriptive about what is expected to be done to improve schools.

Deputy Commissioner Flaherty talked about creating opportunities to improve schools using the NEASC visit system.  Regent Callahan supported the concept of a “network strategy” to help schools be better informed and to move forward.  She also supported mandatory recommendations that are "a must."

Regents expressed their concern that there is a lack of community support to fund the re-structuring of high schools per the recommendations.

Chairman DiPrete told members that if any Regents are interested in serving on the High School Summit Review Committee to see Bob Canavan at the end of the meeting.

Public Comments:

Joe DiMartino from Brown University stated his support of the report and requested that the section on personal learning plans be made stronger. He also asked about possible legislation and a proposed timeline.

Additionally, Kathy Crowley from Mt. Pleasant High School added her support to the Summit recommendations – “Waiting" for this report with baited breath - looking forward to keeping the momentum going forward; along with John Golden from the Center for School Leadership – urged the Regents to consider issues related to time and scheduling.  He also talked about accountability issues in that principals are responsible for what goes on in the building, but have little or no control over who comes into the building to work.

Doreen Corrente, formerly of the Woonsocket Career and Technical School, told members that the report and recommendations are part of an ongoing conversation (about education). She focused on the need for high school re-structuring and that the Regents need to set a clear direction for change.

Ed Lamoi of Cranston High School West spoke to the group about the need for local districts/schools to go in the same direction and to work to garner public support for the recommendations.  He also urged the Regents, Commissioner, and the Department of Education to play a role when a high school fails a NEASC Evaluation.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.