Governor Donald L. Carcieri today said he is pleased that Rhode Island has been named a finalist for Race to the Top funding through the U.S. Department of Education's competitive $4.35 billion program to reward and encourage innovative states that are making progress with education reform efforts. The State of Rhode Island submitted a proposal in January that could provide $126 million over four years to support the state's school reform efforts. The US Department of Education is expected to announce final awards in early April.
"The US Department of Education has set the bar very high for the first round of funding in an effort to make an example of states that have the foundation and the capacity to quickly implement effective reforms," said Governor Carcieri. "The selection of Rhode Island as a finalist for the first round of funding is an affirmation of the national reputation we have earned as a leader in education innovation. It acknowledges the thoughtful analysis, collaborative work, and steadfast dedication to student progress that have been the hallmarks of our state's school reform efforts over the last seven years."
The US Department of Education received 41 applications for the first phase of Race to the Top. Each application underwent a comprehensive and rigorous review by an expert panel of independent reviewers, and in addition to Rhode Island the following states were selected as finalists: Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
"One of my highest priorities as governor has been to improve the quality of our education system and better prepare students for the working world and adult life. We have made tremendous strides in realigning and raising our standards and assessments in collaboration with three other New England states, developing protocols for evaluating educators and incorporating student learning growth as a major part of this system, and, most importantly, assuring the needs of students is the key determinant for our reforms," the Governor added. "Race to the Top funds would help us expedite the pace of improvement and more quickly achieve positive outcomes for our children."
"We believe we have submitted one of the best grant proposals in the country, and I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has selected Rhode Island as a finalist for the first round of Race to the Top funding," said Robert G. Flanders, Jr., Esq., Chairman of the Board of Regents. "This competitive grant could provide an enormous resource for our students, our schools, and our community. The Regents and RIDE are eager to work together with educators across the state to advance learning for all students."
"In my first eight months as Education Commissioner, I have become more confident every day that Rhode Island is ready for change," said Deborah A. Gist, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education. "I am honored that the U.S. Department of Education recognizes that Rhode Island is among the national leaders in education reform. Thanks to the tremendous leadership of Governor Carcieri for his commitment to reforming the state's education system, and the support from educators and community groups across the state, we have submitted a powerful Race to the Top proposal. I look forward to presenting our ideas in person at the U.S. Department of Education."
Funding received through Race to the Top would be used to implement Rhode Island's strategic plan, Transforming Education in Rhode Island. At least half of the grant would flow directly to participating districts, which include 33 of the 36 school districts, all charter schools, and all state-operated schools. The funding would be targeted to turn around struggling schools, close achievement gaps, improve high school graduation rates, increase college enrollment, and help all schools build the necessary infrastructures to support student success.
"I would like to thank the many organizations throughout Rhode Island that supported our application and, in particular, recognize the leadership of the Providence and Foster teachers' unions and the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals," said Governor Carcieri. "This is about giving children the best possible educational opportunities, to give them a successful foundation for productive, self-sufficient, and rewarding adult lives. We need every Rhode Island educator including teachers, administrators, and union leaders to sign on and actively support our reform efforts."