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Communities: Government
Federal, state and local governments shape the public education system through law, policies, programs and funding. Government entities at and across all levels have an obligation to work collaboratively to provide optimum opportunities for all students to learn. Government-driven school reform efforts must be coherent, systemic and considerate of local needs. Likewise on the local level, elected and appointed school boards and school committees are responsible for undertaking and implementing federal and state-mandated programs.
The two major federal education reform programs of the George W. Bush Administration are the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and the American Competitiveness Initiative (2006). No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is designed to change the culture of America's schools by closing the achievement gap, offering more flexibility, giving parents more options, and teaching students based on what works. The American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) aims to strengthen innovation and education in the U.S. by improving math and science education, foreign language studies, and high schools. Each state constructs a system to respond to all federal education mandates and policies, including NCLB and ACI.
Two boards, the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education and the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, oversee the PK-16 public education system in Rhode Island. Most recently the Boards have taken specific measures to ensure the seamless transition of high school students to post-secondary experiences. The Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Rhode Island Office of Higher Education carry out the regulations and policies of the Board of Regents and the Board of Governors, respectively.
In 2005, Governor Donald L. Carcieri, through Executive Order, created the PK-16 Council, which built upon the working partnership already established between the PK-12 and higher education systems. This Order underscored the need for a coherent, well-aligned PK-16 system of education designed to improve student achievement at all levels while upgrading communications among all stakeholders. The PK-16 Council brings together a powerful coalition of public and private sector leaders who recognize that thoughtful, aggressive measures are essential in order to create competent work- and college-ready high school graduates. The Council is also charged with supporting the recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Mathematics and Science Education (Adobe® Reader® PDF 748KB) and to track the state’s progress in this initiative.
Rhode Island has responded to the outcry for better schools by instituting the Rhode Island Diploma System (Adobe® Reader® PDF 162KB), based on the Regulations Regarding Public High Schools and Ensuring Literacy for All Students Entering High School. Starting with the Class of 2008, students across Rhode Island will have to demonstrate that they have certain skills or proficiencies in order to graduate. As part of its strategy for improvement, Rhode Island has joined twenty-one other states in the American Diploma Project (ADP) Network to raise achievement so that all students graduate with the education and skills needed for personal and economic success
Rhode Island Statewide Curriculum is designed to support quality education for all children in Rhode Island and encompasses the key elements of high quality instruction and assessment: student engagement, an environment conducive to learning, access for all students, the use of questions to monitor and promote student understanding, and the support needed for students to make sense of content. One of the main goals of the interactive Rhode Island Statewide Curriculum is to help all partners know that each is vital in contributing to learning and teaching. The Rhode Island Statewide Curriculum demonstrates effective instructional techniques, provides professional development for educators, and offers resources for all who share responsibility in the education of the youth of Rhode Island.
As an elected or appointed official or a public employee you may use this Web site to:
Like any research-based educational model, the Statewide Curriculum is dynamic and evolving. All partners are encouraged to identify how they may contribute and participate in order to improve student achievement.
Thank you for visiting the Rhode Island Statewide Curriculum Web site. Your feedback is welcomed.
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