Lawmakers look to revamp RI schools

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Lawmakers in the house and senate introduced seven bills Tuesday to reform the Rhode Island school systems, pointing to low test scores across the state as their motivation to make a change.

The legislation as a whole is aimed at restructuring the curriculum to be more in line with how students are assessed.

Lawmakers says Rhode Island students are getting an education on par with most of the nation, but they believe the state can do better.

“We have made a determination that that’s not good enough,” said House Speaker, Nicholas Mattiello. “We want to compare ourselves with the best in the country.”

The first of seven bills calls on the commissioner of education to create statewide standards that align with both curriculum and testing. In other words – teach to the standardized test now being used called RICAS.

“This legislation is about realigning our structures to better enable our schools to succeed,” said Representative Joseph McNamara.

The rest of the bills focus on providing more support to under performing schools, and amendments to how teachers and principals are certified – including testing new teachers in how they teach their subject.

Another bill would increase the authority of each school staff.

“This key component of school based management should allow us to make real change on the ground at the building level, where those professionals, we know, know what’s best for their students,” said Representative Gregg Amore.

Lawmakers say they don’t expect immediate change. They hope to see results over the next decade.

“I would be very pleased if ten years from now, every other state was looking at Rhode Island and they’re holding a press conference here saying, ‘How did you do it?'” said McNamara. “And the answer will probably be perseverance and persistence.”

A statement from the NEARI said it’s encouraged by the focus on public education and that they look forward to working with legislators on these initiatives.

Hearings on the bills will begin in the next few weeks.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019