5Q: Barbara S. Cottam

BARBARA COTTAM is chairwoman of the state Board of Education. / PBN PHOTO/STEPHANIE ALVAREZ EWENS
BARBARA COTTAM is chairwoman of the state Board of Education. / PBN PHOTO/STEPHANIE ALVAREZ EWENS

1 Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s proposed budget includes more than $40 million in new funding for pre-K through grade 12. What will this money be used for?

Among other investments, her budget provides $1.2 million for high-quality early learning, $2.5 million to support instruction for English learners, new funds for principal preparation, free PSATs and SATs for high-school students, expanded instruction in computer science, and funds for career-technical education and coursework in high school for college credit.

2 The Rockwell School in Bristol/Warren and the Fort Barton School in Tiverton have been “commended” schools for four years in a row. What are they doing right?

It’s all about excellent leadership, classroom instruction, family engagement and personalized learning that meets the needs of each individual student. At Fort Barton, the principal visits classrooms every day. At Rockwell, strong parent groups focus on enrichment programs with students.

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3 Do you support Commissioner Ken Wagner’s vision of allowing students to enroll in districts other than their own?

Yes. Commissioner Wagner envisions creating a culture of continuous improvement, based in part on [this]. We are working with Gov. Raimondo to share these proposals with the education field, parents and families.

4 Rhode Island high school graduation rates have climbed to 83 percent. What’s needed to keep the momentum going?

When students are fully engaged in schoolwork, they will keep learning and stay in school to build the skills and knowledge they will need for success and to earn a diploma. We have to continue to focus on personalized instruction, opportunities for advanced coursework and support for our teachers and school leaders.

5 Public presentations on the need to revise graduation requirements cite weakness in literacy and math skills. How will redefining requirements change that?

The council is considering revising graduation requirements to ensure that students have multiple opportunities to show that they are ready for success beyond high school. We recognize that we cannot determine whether they are ready based on a single test. We are considering introducing a menu of options that … may include the SAT, PSAT, AP exams, and some nationally recognized credentials. •

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