Education

Stolen Civil War Sword on its Way Back to Brown University

Catherine Welch — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:20:00 +0000

Nearly 30 years after it disappeared from the university’s collection, a federal judge in Virginia has ruled that the Civil War sword must be returned to Brown.

The sword belonging to Col. Rush Hawking was reported stolen back in 1977.

The ruling tracks the sword’s journey over the decades through at least four private collections.

SVF Foundation Works to Preserve Endangered Livestock Breeds in Newport

Elisabeth Harrison — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:47 +0000

On Saturday Rhode Islanders have a rare opportunity to visit the Swiss Village Foundation in Newport. It’s an organization working to preserve heritage livestock breeds in collaboration with Tufts University. The site opens its doors to the general public just once a year because of concerns about microbes that could hurt the animals living there.

Rhode Island Public Radio’s Education Reporter Elisabeth Harrison arranged special tour to take you inside the foundation’s bucolic campus.

Two Year Contract Renewal for Gist

Catherine Welch — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:08:15 +0000

After hours of deliberation … and discussion with Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist … the state's education board approved a new 2-year contract for Gist. The vote was 7 -3 with one abstention. Rhode Island Public Radio's Catherine Welch was there and has this report.

Gist on the Bumpy Road to NECAP: This Will Get Better

Elisabeth Harrison — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 13:03:04 +0000

The Rhode Island Board of Education is expected to vote tonight on a contract extension for State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist. She’s been weathering heavy criticism over the last few months from some parents, students and teachers, who complain that she ignores their concerns about all of the changes happening in Rhode Island public schools. One of the most controversial issues has been a new policy of standardized testing as a requirement for a high school diploma.

RI ACLU: Higher Suspension Rate for Black & Hispanic Students

Flo Jonic — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:01:33 +0000

One day after releasing a report showing that African Americans in the state are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession, the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is out with a report showing a racial disparity in school suspensions.

The civil rights group stopped short of calling it racial profiling, but says the issue is something education leaders need to study and correct.

U.S. Education Secretary Defends RI Commissioner Gist

Catherine Welch — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:46:09 +0000

Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Rhode Islanders should look at progress made in its schools while weighing the fate of state education commissioner Deborah Gist. Duncan made the comment on a conference call with Rhode Island reporters.

In a call of support for Gist, Duncan touted rising test scores and graduation rates as signs that the state is making progress. Teachers and parents have been outspoken in their opposition to Gist. But Duncan defends her, calling her collaborative.

EDU Commissioner Gist: Contract Less Than Two Years Difficult to Accept

Elisabeth Harrison — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 11:58:11 +0000

Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist is likely to learn Thursday whether her contract is being renewed and for how long.

Deborah Gist has been a target of criticism lately from some teachers and students who say they don’t like her leadership style and they disagree with her focus on test scores. Now that her contract is expiring, there’s speculation the State Board of Education will offer a one-year extension, instead of a three-year contract. Gist says that would be difficult to accept.

Getting Cranston High School Students Ready for NECAP Testing

Elisabeth Harrison — Fri, 31 May 2013 12:26:03 +0000

A controversial new state policy says high school students in Rhode Island need a score of 2 or better on standardized state testing to graduate. That’s only partially proficient, but thousands of students didn’t make the grade when they took the test last fall. School districts are now working to get those students up to speed so they can meet this new requirement. Rhode Island Public Radio’s Education Reporter Elisabeth Harrison sat down with a district official and a Math teacher in Cranston to find out how it’s going.

Meeting the Challenge of Standardized Testing

Elisabeth Harrison — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:04:23 +0000

As Rhode Island grapples with high school diplomas tied to test scores, Massachusetts students have faced a similar requirement for a decade. Rhode Island Public Radio's Elisabeth Harrison visited Attleboro High School to find out how high-stakes testing has changed what’s being taught.

Education Commissioner Gist Responds to Teacher Concerns

Flo Jonic — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:11:59 +0000

State Education Commissioner Deborah Gist is responding to teachers who say she has an overbearing management style and is disconnected from the rank and file. At a meeting Monday night, more than 500 teachers demanded that Gist’s contract not be renewed when it expires next month.

Gist said she welcomes the feedback of teachers and hopes that in the years to come management and staff can avoid acrimony and focus on what’s best for students.