R.I. praised for ‘Race to the Top’ progress

RHODE ISLAND WAS ONE  of three states making
RHODE ISLAND WAS ONE of three states making "remarkable progress" in implementing Race to the Top grant funds, according to the U.S. Department of Education. / COURTESY U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Department of Education said Rhode Island was one of three states to make “remarkable progress” in implementing its $75 million federal Race to the Top grant, according to the R.I. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“Rhode Island has set a clear path forward on comprehensive education reform that will better support teachers and principals, and enable student growth for years to come. They have overcome challenges and proved what’s possible when everyone works together,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said in the Race to the Top Rhode Island Report: Year 2, released on Friday, Feb. 1.

Duncan added: “We look forward to seeing their continued progress and strong execution of key efforts that will empower educators to transform their classrooms into models of 21st-century learning.”

To date, Rhode Island has spent $21.3 million in Race to the Top funds, including $4.1 million to implement teacher evaluations, $2.1 million for transition to the Common Core State Standards and for curriculum development and $1.25 million to develop data systems to improve instruction.

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According to a release, Rhode Island is on course toward spending the full $75 million award by the end of next year, which will be year 4 of the grant.

“We were honored to be one of 12 states to receive a Race to the Top grant, and we have pledged to use these funds to make investments and to build systems that will improve education in Rhode Island for years to come. At the midpoint in this four-year grant, I am especially proud that Rhode Island educators are working together to transform education in our state,” R.I. Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist said in a statement.

To view the full report, visit: www2.ed.gov.

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