Under Governor Carcieri’s leadership, Rhode Island is improving student results by demanding greater accountability and enforcing higher standards among students and teachers, investing in programs to enhance teaching, and targeting resources for schools that are underperforming. To continue attracting good jobs, our state needs an educated, technologically-literate workforce. Governor Carcieri’s initiatives and his emphasis on accountability will develop the types of graduates that employers look for in hiring for well-paying jobs.

• Investments in Teaching and Learning
  Funding for professional development.  Governor Carcieri advocated for a $3.5 million investment in local aid for professional development activities for the state’s existing teaching corps and an additional $700,000 for assistance in developing their Individual Professional Development Plans (I-Plans).
  
  Statewide curriculum for English and Math.  With the backing of Governor Carcieri, the RI Department of Education is developing a statewide curriculum in English Language Arts and Math. Governor Carcieri proposed $400,000 in the FY 2006 budget to fund this program; the General Assembly provided $300,000.
  
  Specialists to support improvements.  Rhode Island now has invests more than $500,000 annually to support three math specialists and two science specialists to strengthen the RI Department of Education’s capacity to support improved student results in these key subjects.
  
  Targeting of resources.  Governor Carcieri added targeted resources for secondary schools on “Intervention” status. The state’s strategic investment has grown from $1.1 million in FY 02 to $2.9 million in FY 06. Resources are creating smaller learning communities and a Special Master at Hope High School, turn-around teams and capacity-building grants at Providence’s eight middle schools and support for reforms at Woonsocket Middle School.



• Making Student Success a Reality
  An expanded school day.  Governor Carcieri advocated for an expanded school day and increased professional development and common planning time requirements for teachers. By the 2006-07 school year, all public schools must provide students with 5.5 hours daily of actual instruction time.
  
  New graduation requirements.  Performance-based high school graduation requirements take effect with the Class of 2008. It will require RI high school graduates to demonstrate their proficiency in English, math, science, social studies, technology and the arts.
  
  A policy council for education.  Governor Carcieri created the PK-16 Council to inform policy on education. This Council has formally adopted and is tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Math & Science Education.
  
  Regional assessment requirements to meet federal standards.  Under Governor Carcieri’s direction, Rhode Island developed a partnership with New Hampshire and Vermont to produce a joint reading and mathematics tests for grades 3 – 8 to meet the assessment requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.



• Greater Emphasis on Math and Science Education
  Action steps on math and science.  Governor Carcieri initiated and co-chaired the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Math & Science Education that proposed several action steps to improve the teaching and learning of math and science in Rhode Island’s schools.
  
  Innovative algebra-tutoring program in Central Falls.  Governor Carcieri launched I Can Learn, a computer-based instructional program for algebra with a national track record for success, at Central Falls High School.
  
  Improving science rigor with Physics First.  Governor Carcieri is increasing the rigor of the high school science curriculum by the introduction of the Physics First curriculum to five high schools. Funded in part by a National Governors Association grant, Physics First teaches physics in the freshman year, followed by Chemistry and Biology. The Governor has announced plans to include $425,000 in his FY 2007 budget to provide additional funding for this intiative.



• Increased Support for Specialized Programs
  Increased funding for adult education programs.  Governor Carcieri has increased funding for adult education. In 2005, he awarded $4.4 million to adult education programs throughout the state.
  
  Increased funding for vision services program.  Governor Carcieri expanded the Vision Services Program, adding $100,000 to hire a program coordinator, to the Sherlock Center at Rhode Island College.